Children asked to come up with names for Norfolk's new gritters

The vehicles are being rolled out this winter as part of the authority's plans to update and replace it's fleet of gritters.

A call for names has gone out to schools in Norfolk, asking for children aged 5-11 to come up with their best ideas over the half-term break and for teachers to submit their top three when term continues again.

The winning entries will then be announced on Monday 9th November, and be written on the new gritters along with the school it came from.

Cllr Martin Wilby, who's the Cabinet Member for Highways and Infrastructure, said: "These new gritters will have a long road ahead of them, as our Highways teams do their vital job to keep people safe as the colder weather sets in throughout the following winter months.

“It’s important for us to stay up to date and use the latest technology to be as efficient as possible, which is why we’re making these replacements. But it’s also important that people drive to conditions and be more careful as the nights draw in and we start seeing ice in the mornings.”

Jess Glasspoole, who's from Norse Highways, said: "The new technology is more efficient at salt distribution and really does help to make road conditions safer during the winter season. Our teams are ready for the job at hand and we’re looking forward to seeing the fun and creative names from our county’s school children."

The last time new gritting vehicles were bought for the fleet was back in 2013.