Sunshine, smiles and ice cream cones came together in perfect harmony this week as Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen joined Darlington entrepreneur Jordan Davidson outside Teesside International Airport to celebrate the summer holiday season.

Passengers jetting off on a TUI flight to Majorca were treated to free ice creams, served fresh from Jordan’s famous Gwenny’s Ices van parked right in front of the terminal.

The feel-good event celebrated both the busy summer getaway period at Teesside Airport and Gwenny’s Ices being crowned Ice Cream Shop of the Year 2025/26.

The firm won the top award at the Prestige Awards.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “It doesn’t get much more British than ice cream vans and summer holidays.

“Teesside Airport is flying high, with more people choosing to start their summer getaways right here on home turf.

“Today’s about celebrating that success while also being a great chance to shine a spotlight on brilliant award-winning local businesses like Gwenny’s Ices.

“Thanks to Jordan for helping us give passengers an extra treat as they headed off for some more sun. Jordan’s get-up-and-go spirit is exactly what makes our region such a special place to work and to live.”

Jordan, owner of Gwenny’s Ices, added: “Winning Ice Cream Shop of the Year was a huge honour, and I couldn’t think of a better way to say thank you to the communities that support us than doing something special at Teesside Airport.

“Planes and ice cream vans are both symbols of summer – and as a business operating across Darlington, Teesside and North Yorkshire, the airport really feels like the heart of our patch. It’s been brilliant to join Ben today and celebrate the summer in style.”