Gritter naming challenge launched by council

BCP Council is looking for names for its fleet of gritting lorries

Residents are being asked to suggest names for a council's fleet of gritters ahead of the winter.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has more than 13 vehicles that look after 780 miles (1,250) of roads across the three Dorset towns.

It said the fun initiative was a way to "celebrate the hard work of our highways teams".

The top suggestions will be chosen early in December, with the winning names displayed on the gritters.

Other councils have had similar competitions with Taylor Drift and SnOasis chosen in Lancashire and Sir Frost A Lot and Gritty Gritty Bang Bang among the names suggested in Sunderland.

BCP Council said it wanted "witty, wintry and wonderful" names for the vehicles which will be spreading a total stock of some 4,000 tonnes of dry rock salt over winter months.

Councillor Richard Herrett, portfolio holder for destination, leisure and commercial operations, said: "It's a light-hearted way to bring some cheer to the colder months and celebrate the hard work of our highways teams who often work around the clock to keep our roads clear and safe for residents..."