AN ICE cream shop in Bournemouth town centre which was almost voted the best ice cream destination in the world has closed for good due to the "challenging economic times".

Giggi Gelateria has announced its outlet in the Burlington Arcade will not be reopening.

The company has confirmed however that its kiosk at Swanage promenade is due to be back open at the end of March.

In a post on Facebook, a spokesperson for Giggi Gelateria said: "We are delighted to announce that we will be reopening our kiosk on Swanage promenade at the end of March 2021.

"We’ve missed all our wonderful customers and hope you’re keeping safe and well and look forward to seeing you when the sun comes out and you can enjoy our wonderful ice cream.

"Due to the challenging economic times we will not be reopening our outlet in the Burlington Arcade in Bournemouth. We have now closed the shop."

The Bournemouth shop opened in 2008 and became extremely popular over the years.

In 2015, Giggi Gelateria was in the running to scoop an award for number one ice cream destination in the world, however, it had to settle for second place behind Slovenian business Lolita.