THE pandemic has dealt a major blow to popular Italian ice-cream seller Rossi's Ices on Weymouth Esplanade as a shortage of ingredients has left the business with no choice but to reduce opening hours - despite the busy summer season.

The family business, which has been serving its homemade ices to generations of residents and visitors to the resort since the 1930s, said the measures will remain in place 'for the foreseeable future.'

While it is not clear which vital ingredient is affected, it was said that the problem affects all ice cream manufacturers.

Business owner Fulvio Figliolini - whose grandfather Fioravanti started the firm in 1937 - announced the news:

"Calling all Rossi lovers, if you think the pandemic was a problem, it has raised a further one which has affected all ice cream manufacturers. There has been shortage of a vital ingredient needed to make our delicious ice cream, this means we are no longer able to take larger tub orders that you would usually take home, we will also be changing our opening hours to accommodate for this shortage.

"This means that from Monday August 2 our new hours will be 1pm till 5pm. This will be for the foreseeable future.

"We want thank all of you for your patience and custom, it has been a pleasure to serve you all through these difficult times and we look forward to going back to our usual business."

Dorset Echo: Figgy Figliolini (centre) pictured in 2017 with past and present staff members and lovers of ice creamFiggy Figliolini (centre) pictured in 2017 with past and present staff members and lovers of ice cream