Kind-hearted residents answered an SOS - save our stock - from ice-cream van operators worried their lollies would melt.

After Tranent ice cream van Simpson’s broke down on Wednesday evening, bosses issued an online plea for locals to store the firm's ices in their freezers at home.

The owners said on Facebook: “Unfortunately we have had a major mechanical [problem] tonight and the van is off the road until further notice.

“Anyone who has placed an order for delivery has been contacted where possible.

“If anyone has any space in their freezer to store some ice cream or lollies for us, this would be also be appreciated as we are struggling for places to keep frozen goods and we will make sure the favour is not forgotten.”

Many kind people offered to help the business store some of their foods in the comments of the post.

The business responded by thanking people for their offer saying they had “managed to get sorted”.

The van has since been recovered by Bell 2 Bell Recovery & Car Disposal who posted a picture of the van on Facebook.