The vehicles were named by pupils at South Somerset Partnership School and Bucklers Mead Academy as part of a competition that involves schools across the county.

According to the council, the competition is a ‘winter tradition’ that helps to inform young people about the importance of road safety, particularly throughout the winter.

Following the contest, the schools have been scheduled a visit from the gritters to see the names on the livery of the vehicles.

Cllr Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste, 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.’

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