A book taking readers back to the origins of one of Southend’s most notable ice cream parlours is set to be launched.

‘Rossi’s: The Story of Southend’s Favourite Ice Cream’ tells the story of Agostino Rossi, his journey from Italy to the UK, how he opened up an ice cream parlour and how it became one of the most successful in the country.

Opening in 1932, the ice cream parlour took off with visitors and residents alike tasting the flavours of ice cream the Rossi clan had to offer.

But it was highs and lows for the family.

During war time, Italians were forbidden to live near coastlines and treated with suspicion, owing to the opposition between the UK and Mussolini’s Italy.

But, thanks to the enthusiasm of customers in Southend, the business boomed, survived the war and is still thriving today.

The book has been written by Patricia Volante, a retired French teacher, who began working weekends in the Rossi’s Temperance Bar in 1959, aged 15, while doing her studies.

When Patricia married the owner, Fernando Rossi, the son of the Agostino, she began to collect stories of how the business originated, right back to it’s roots in Italy.

She said: “I started this book originally simply a few pages and something the family to enjoy and for my grandson Enzo to learn about his roots.

“But when I approached Estuary Publishing for advice, I was encouraged to consider publishing it as a book to share with the people of Southend as so many people remember going for a Rossi and it is still a very popular treat.”

The book will be officially launched at The Book Inn, Leigh, on Thursday, April 5, at 6.30pm.

There will also be a book signing in the Waterstones on Southend High Street beginning at 10.30am on Saturday, April 7.

Excited about the book launch is Audrey Snee, director of Estuary Publishing.

She said: “Word spread very quickly about the book as soon as we shared the cover image on social media even before we have officially launched the book.

“We have had to move faster than anticipated stocking local bookshops and informing the media about forthcoming events as orders began to come in quite quickly.

“It has been an exhilarating experience and proof that the people of Southend really do love a Rossi!”

The book was published last month and is has already featured in Essex Book Festival 2018’s Author Day.

Rossi’s has expanded it’s business since it first opened its doors 86 since years ago, with several outlets in Southend and even one in Weymouth.

The book is available to buy now.