MEET the ice cream man who went the extra mile to deliver free ice cream to patients, staff and visitors at St Rocco's Hospice.

Matthew Bain, who owns Matt's Ices, carried out the good deed after Rob Harper got in touch to say his mum, a patient at the Lockton Lane hospice, was craving a whippy ice cream.

Matt’s Ices agreed to arrive at the hospice, which provides care for people with life-limiting illnesses, at 7pm on Wednesday to give everyone their free sweet treat.

The 39-year-old said he was inspired by the care his own grandmother had received.

He said: "St Rocco's looked after my nan when she was very ill so I wanted to put a smile on their faces, and it worked.

"Not only that, but I think it's nice to give something back to the community. I've been an ice cream man for 20 years and if it wasn't for those customers I wouldn't have any business.

"I just think it's nice to give a little back."

Taking to social media, Rob's wife Kerry shared her heartfelt thanks to the 39-year-old, from Birchwood.

She said: "My husband's mum is in St Rocco’s Hospice and really fancied a whippy ice cream.

"My husband contacted Matt to ask if he would deliver to the hospice.

"Not only did Matt send one of his vans, he gave every patient, staff and visitor an ice cream of their choice for free.

"What a wonderful thing you did Matt! You put smiles on a lot of people’s faces tonight."

The mum-of-two's post has since gone viral with hundreds of shares and more than 3,200 likes.

A spokesperson from St Rocco's Hospice said: "We are always amazed and so grateful for the way that people are willing to put themselves out to support our patients and families.

"Thank you Matt's Ices for such a lovely gesture and putting a smile on everyone's face last Wednesday evening."