ICE cream specialist Ben & Jerry’s will be handing out free ice creams in Bolton today.

A van will be parked up at the University of Bolton between 11am and 3.30pm giving out delicious scoops of ice cream.

The giveaway is part of Ben & Jerry’s Waiting Isn’t Working campaign. In partnership with Refugee Action, the company is hoping to raises awareness for asylum seekers' right to work.

A spokesman said: "As it stands under current government policy, they are practically unable to work whilst they await refugee status - which for half of asylum seekers can take longer than six months."

 In exchange for a free ice cream, Ben and Jerry's is asking people to sign an online petition backing the campaign.

The visit is part of a nationwide tour which began in Leeds last month,

Company spokesman, Rebecca Baron, said: "We love to get out on the road to connect with our fans over a scoop and dig a little deeper on important issues. If we can mobilise the huge numbers of people already in support of giving people seeking asylum the right to work then together we can drive a historic change.”

Stephen Hale of Refugee Action, added: “Giving people seeking asylum the right to work would give more opportunity and dignity to people seeking safety, by allowing them to provide for their families and give back to their new communities. 

To sign the petition, visit https://www.refugee-action.org.uk/benandjerrys .