The scorching sun sends our thoughts searching for relief, and what better ways to escape the heat than by splashing in paddling pools, refreshing with cold showers, or indulging in ice cold treats?

We’ve all heard of the titanic tussles that shaped history; the World Wars, the Hundred Years’ War, and even the War of the Roses. But let’s look at a conflict of less epic proportions – one fought not with swords and shields, but with scoops and sprinkles – the Lordshill Ice Cream Wars.

It took place during the sweltering summer of 1985.

(Image: Echo)

The temperature wasn’t the only thing rising in the Southampton suburb of Lordshill. It was a battleground, a scorched frontier where ice cream vendors clashed in a cutthroat contest for cone supremacy.

It was a war waged with cunning and creativity. Price cuts sharper than a Viking axe, portions so generous they could feed a small army and freebies galore. It was like something out of a spy thriller, only with fewer gadgets and more gelato.

(Image: Echo)

At the heart of the conflict was a man named Ray Digweed, a painter and decorator by trade who apparently thought wielding a scoop was more his calling. He claimed to be under siege from both independent rivals and a big-time ice cream conglomerate. A modern-day David versus Goliath, if David had a penchant for Neapolitan.

His opponent, George of Super International, painted a picture of a cutthroat industry where shadows lengthened and trust was a frozen dessert. He claimed territory was marked out like a battlefield, and peace treaties (or at least agreements on operating hours) were shattered like so many waffle cones.

(Image: Echo)

Even the local kids got involved, rallying behind Ray with placards and chants. A heartwarming display of youthful loyalty, or perhaps a well-orchestrated PR stunt? Either way, it was enough to make even the coldest heart melt.

So, if you’re enjoying a leisurely lick of your favourite flavour, spare a thought for the brave souls who fought for your right to indulge. The Lordshill Ice Cream Wars: a saga of scoops and scandals may not be told for generations to come, but it’s fun to look back on for now.