STAFF at a doctor's surgery in Wemyss Bay scooped up a n-ice treat thanks to a generous local businessman.

John Harkins from Bay Ices took his van along to Wemyss Bay Medical Centre and dished out free 99s.

Practice nurse Gillian Johnston called John and ordered the ices as a treat for staff - and the kind ice cream man decided the cones were on the house.

John has been a patient of the practice for many years and didn't hesitate to help when Gillian called.

He said: "I go back a long way with the practice - they've given us fantastic help over the years and have always been really good with my family.

"I just wanted to give something back and thank them for all the great work they're doing."

Gillian said staff were thrilled with the surprise.

She added: "Everyone in the practice has been doing fantastically well and I just thought it would be a nice idea to do something for them on a Friday.

"We've all known John for years.

"I gave him a phone and he dropped the 99s off free of charge.

"It was such a lovely surprise for everyone and it meant a lot - it really lifted our spirits.

"There's a great camaraderie between us all, we're a wee family down here."

John, 38, has been running Bay Ices for 22 years after taking the reins from his parents.

The business is based in Wemyss Bay but John takes the van to events all over Scotland, and also has a static spot at Lunderston Bay.

The coronavirus pandemic has forced John to adapt his regular routine.

He now lets people know where the van will be via Facebook and customers can book a time slot.

John has also introduced protective screens and holders for cones and accepts only contactless payments.

He said: "I realised that this virus isn't going away so I've had to adapt the business.

"It's going really well.

"I'm not going round and chiming - I'm only going where the service is wanted and as I'm providing a personalised service, there's no chance of there being six people at the van at the same time."

The kind confectioner also recently donated 100 ice creams to the Quarriers social care charity, to make up for residents not getting their regular trips to Largs.