GLOUCESTERSHIRE'S gritters now have personalities to match their winter duties after a county-wide competition saw primary school children help name the 29 vehicles that keep local roads safe during icy weather.

Thousands of pupils were invited to suggest names for the council’s fleet, operated by Ringway, and over 540 entries were submitted.

The winning choices include the pun-filled and playful Gritting McQueen, Grit-fire, Feathers McGrit, Anikan Icewalker, Ice Vadar and David Attenbrrrr, among many others.

In total, 29 names were selected, each one adding character to the machines that tackle snow and ice across Gloucestershire each winter.

Across the county, gritting vehicles cover 106,705 kilometres during the season, which is more than twice the circumference of the Earth. Around 200 journeys are made each day to ensure public transport keeps running, children can get to school safely, and emergency services reach those in need.

Cllr Joe Harris, cabinet member for Highways, praised the children’s creativity: “We received a brilliant response to this competition which has been a fun way to get children in the county involved in naming the gritters. It’s been great to see how excited they’ve been and the fantastic ideas they’ve come up with. The heroes who go out at all times of day and night deserve our recognition.”

Nick Radford, business unit manager for Ringway Gloucestershire, added: “This has been a fun initiative and one that raises awareness about what our teams do day in day out. Hopefully the schools involved will follow their favourite gritter, now they each have a name. Thanks to everyone for their support, especially the children, parents, head teachers, and Gloucestershire Highways.”

The named gritters are now ready to hit the roads, bringing a bit of fun and plenty of winter safety to the county this season.