After last year’s successful competition, which produced favourites like Gritty Gritty Bang Bang and Spready Mercury, the council and its highways contractor Kier are inviting pupils to submit inventive names for 2025’s gritters.

Entries must be in by 7 November, after which Somerset Council and Kier will shortlist submissions for a public vote to select the winners. Those chosen will enjoy a special visit from 'their' gritter, just as pupils did at Brymore Academy and West Pennard Primary School last year.

Cllr Richard Wilkins said the competition is a fun way for children to learn about winter road safety, adding: ‘Last year’s entries were brilliant with some inventive pun-tastic ideas.’

Kier’s Tom Stockley highlighted the importance of gritting in keeping roads safe and preventing ice-related disruptions as winter approaches.

Get thinking, Somerset schools – your gritter could hit the road with a name of your own making!

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