YOUNGSTERS have given the lick of approval to a new ice cream released just in time for Valentine's Day at local shops – and paid tribute to the community work being done by staff at a Stanford-le-Hope convenience store.

The Co-op chain launched its Strawberry Rose Cones a couple of days ago and they have become something of a frozen sensation.

With their delicately-shaped petals floral cones – complete with green wafer stem – combine the tang of strawberry with a smooth vanilla ice cream. And are topped with a sharp-sweet strawberry sauce!

Thurrock NubNews invited young people from Stanford-le-Hope to pop into their local Co-op on the High Street and give them a taste test – and (with love in the air!) the appropriately-named store worker Trish True joined in to sample the icy treats.

Students Tom, Emily and Alex said the Cornetto-style cones were 'really cool', 'they taste lovely' and they are a 'great idea' with Tom saying if I give a girl one of these maybe they'll love me. However, young Alex, who ventured out dressed as Dabi a major antagonist in the popular young people's manga/anime series 'My Hero Academia' said: "Maybe even a rose cone won't help me with this look."

Trish said she enjoyed the taste and look of the new cones too!

Regardless of the future of their love lives, the youngsters were impressed to find out how the store is interacting with the local community by raising funds for good causes through its Pioneer programme.

Like most Co-op stores, the Stanford Co-op is supporting a range of local charities with donations from goods purchased going to a selection of local organisations.

Currently being supported by the local branch are Giffards Primary School, which wants to buy more sporting equipment to give young people of all abilities the chance to become more active, South Essex Wildlife Hospital (based at nearby Orsett) and The Friends of Hardie Park in the town.

"Who knew there was so much going on here? Not only are their ice creams so cool, so are the staff for doing this," said Alex, showing perhaps he's not really villain material after all!

The cones come in packs of four – for just £2 and are available now at all local Co-ops.