As later this month it will be National Banana Split Day, we've decided to take a look back in our photo archive at how we've enjoyed ice cream over the years in Cumbria.

While the national day, which falls on August 25, is namely celebrated in the USA, ice cream's tradition is truly worldwide, and the dessert has a rich history dating back thousands of years.

Originating from ancient China, where a mixture of milk and rice was frozen in snow, the concept of ice cream spread through Persia and later to Europe.

By the 17th century, it had evolved into the creamy dessert we know today, with its popularity soaring in the 18th and 19th centuries.

One of the most iconic ice cream desserts is the banana split, a classic American treat that has become a symbol of indulgence and fun.

The banana split was invented in 1904 by David Evans Strickler, a pharmacist in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

Strickler's creation featured a split banana topped with three scoops of ice cream, each a different flavour—typically vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.

These were then drizzled with chocolate syrup, strawberry sauce, and pineapple, and garnished with whipped cream, crushed nuts, and a maraschino cherry.

This delightful concoction quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple in soda fountains and ice cream parlours across the United States.

The significance of the banana split extends beyond its delicious taste; it represents a piece of Americana and a connection to a bygone era when soda fountains were social hubs.

Today, the banana split is celebrated worldwide, with variations appearing in different cultures, each adding their unique twist to the classic recipe.

Globally, ice cream remains one of the most popular desserts, with each culture embracing it in its own way.

From gelato in Italy to Mr Whippy in the UK, and mochi ice cream in Japan, the love for this frozen delight transcends borders. 

With summer evermore fleeting, make sure to get an ice cream while it's still worth it!