Appledore ice cream van's star turn

IT S clocked up its fair share of miles on North Devon s roads; and now Hockings prized 1926 Morris Cowley ice cream van is to hit the road again as one of the star attractions of a forthcoming transport exhibition in the West Midlands. The vehicle is to

IT'S clocked up its fair share of miles on North Devon's roads; and now Hockings' prized 1926 Morris Cowley ice cream van is to hit the road again as one of the star attractions of a forthcoming transport exhibition in the West Midlands.

The vehicle is to go on display alongside other vintage ice cream vans, hand carts and tricycles as part of the "Ice Cream Dream Machines" exhibition at Coventry Transport Museum, taking place from July 19 to September 26.

The Appledore-based Hockings van was a familiar local sight until the 1970s. Starting out life as a two-seater car, it was converted into an ice cream van by Moore of South Molton, who fitted it with an insulated box to contain the ice cream which was kept cold by frozen eutectic plates.

Hockings co-director, Geoff Hocking, said: "Holes were cut in the floor to allow the person serving to stand astride the propshaft; this put them at the correct level for serving customers through the hatch."

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the firm, Geoff and his brother Neil decided to have the vehicle restored, giving the old van a new lease of life.

Phil Consadine, facilities officer at the museum, said: "We are so grateful that the Hocking family have allowed us to exhibit this fine vehicle, allowing it to be sent to Coventry.