PRODUCE proudly made in Dorset has been launched into space in a quest to find the perfect ice cream consistency.

Purbeck Ice Cream has embraced the role of intrepid scientist, and sent a tub of its ice cream to space - well, near space.

In partnership with Chris Hillcox, a high altitude ballooning hobbyist (www.nearspacephotography.com), Purbeck Ice Cream was looking to find out if ice cream would sufficiently freeze in space in order to reach “the perfect scoop”, in their never-ending quest to find the perfect ice cream consistency for maximum enjoyment.

The company had tried to send a tub into space in March but the launch hit a snag when a “freak gust of wind” caused the helium balloon to hit the edge of a corrugated roof and burst.

However, this time the tub of Purbeck Ice Cream passed through the mid stratosphere and temperatures down to minus 50 Celsius, before the intrepid container made its way swiftly back down to earth.

With two Go Pro devices, tracking electronics and a 500ml tub attached to the payload, the Purbeck Ice Cream tub was filmed on its entire journey to near space and back again, and taste tested on landing!

The launch was broadcast live on Periscope from the farm in Kingston, Dorset, where Purbeck Ice Cream is made, and the live tracking of the payload as it made its way up into space found the Ice Cream reached dizzying heights of 35,701ft on its two-hour 42-minute journey into the black.

The ice cream was recovered by Chris in the Liphook area, and was successfully frozen and edible.

Purbeck Ice Cream, based at Lower Scoles Farm, Kingston, Wareham, uses local fresh milk, thick double cream and natural flavours which are gluten and egg free to create its product.

The company makes more than 40 flavours, including new flavours chai latte, pineapple sorbet and salted maple.

There is also an app available to locate ice cream at the stockist nearest to you, which can be downloaded for Apple and Android devices.

See purbeckicecream.co.uk for more information.