Schoolchildren name new gritter 'Gritney Spears'

Two new gritters joining the Somerset fleet have been given names by local schools.

South Somerset Partnership School and Bucklers Mead Academy in Yeovil have dubbed the new spreaders Gritney Spears and Basil Salty - after the popstar, and fictional hotelier from Torquay.

As a prize, the schools will receive a visit from their gritters, which will get their new names emblazoned on the side.

Somerset Council, which runs the gritting fleet, said it hopes to raise awareness among children of the importance of road safety during winter months.

Gritting teams, operated by contractor Kier, spread rock salt on key roads when the mercury drops below 0.5C.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council's lead member for transport said: "Thank you to everyone who took part, the schools for their amazing and creative name suggestions. We are always ready to grit one more time if the weather turns icy.

"We can't wait to see Gritney Spears and Basil Salty on the road this winter - keep an eye out for them on your travels."

Last year's winner, Spready Mercury, was named by West Pennard Church of England Primary School.

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