The council’s winter maintenance services commenced last Saturday, with its gritting fleet having benefitted from a refresh before hitting the roads.

According to the local authority, the vehicles have been branded with new vinyl names that were selected by local primary school students through a naming competition.

Among the successful entries were Gritney Spears, Ready Salted, Sir Frost A Lot and Mr Plough.

As part of the council’s winter maintenance programme which runs from November to March, the local authority’s gritting fleet will first treat main arterial roads and primary bus routes, followed by other priority routes on the region’s highway network.

Cllr Leonard, Cabinet Member of Environment, NET Zero and Transport at Sunderland City Council said: ‘It's fantastic to see our gritters heading out today with names chosen by Sunderland's schoolchildren. The creativity and humour in the winning entries will bring a smile to people's faces when they spot the vehicles on the roads.

‘More importantly, this competition has helped raise awareness among pupils about the vital role our winter maintenance programme plays in keeping Sunderland safe and moving during the colder months. I'd like to thank every school that took part and congratulate the winners whose names will now travel across the city all winter long.’

Sign up here to receive our free weekly news bulletin and quarterly e-book.