FROM a classroom to an ice cream parlour is not the most common career path.

But a former supply teacher has proven she's coolest mum after opening Pure Indulgence in Stockton Heath.

Helen Harvey decided she wanted to put her teaching career on ice after she turned 50 and found inspiration for a new venture by chance when she visited her sister Sarah in Scotland

She said: "I used to be a supply teacher at Stockton Heath Primary School. There wasn't as much work and I'd turned 50 so I began to think of doing something else.

"When I visited Scotland I noticed there were lots of ice cream parlours there and it got me thinking – there's everything else in Stockton Heath but nothing like this so I started to look into it."

But it wasn't just flavours Helen had to think of because it was a complete career change.

Helen, of Worsley Road, Walton, added: "I'd never done anything like this before. It was completely new to me from choosing an ice cream freezer, coffee machine and till to visiting ice cream farms to find a supplier.

"It's been exciting but a very steep learning curve."

Helen's husband Kevin, who works at United Utilities, fitted out the shop with the help of friends from St John's Church.

Her daughter Eleanor, aged 17, a photography student at Priestley College, also provided the photo displays.

They both serve customers at the parlour in between work and studies as well as Helen's sister-in-law Jackie Hughes and son Ellis.

Mum-of-two Helen, who taught at Stockton Heath Primary for 14 years, said: "People seem to like that it's a family run business as there are a lot of franchises in the village centre."

Pure Indulgence serves 20 ice creams and sorbets from Snugburys in Nantwich, which will be changed regular and feature seasonal specials.

The cones are from the Antonelli Brothers in Eccles, who were in the Great British Bake Off. Crepes and waffles are also made fresh each day.

Helen, whose favourite ice cream is fan-nutty-tastic, added: "Stockton Heath has a great food and drink scene and I hope this is a good addition to it.

"We want to appeal to people of all ages. Younger people and families particularly like it but I don't think anyone grows out of ice cream."

Helen, who grew up in Grappenhall, also wanted to thank the community who have supported her – despite the ice cream parlour opening in the colder months.

The former trombone player for North Cheshire Wind Orchestra, said: "It has been a bit tricky to open at this time of year. It took such a long time to get the lease up-and-running but it's given us some time to learn the ropes."

Helen started her teaching career at Woolston CE Primary and she worked with hearing impaired children in Ellesmere Port for seven years before teaching at Stockton Heath Primary.

DAVID MORGAN