Somerset Council's two new gritters have had their names chosen following a competition involving schools and the Somerset public.  

The gritters, soon to join the council's winter fleet, are to be named Gritty Gritty Bang Bang and Spready Mercury.   

A long list of 30 suggestions was whittled down to a shortlist of six and the public voted on their favourite two.   

Gritty Gritty Bang Bang and Spready Mercury, named by Brymore Academy and West Pennard C of E School respectively were the winners 

The schools will receive a visit from the gritter and have the honour of seeing the name embellished on the vehicle.  

This year, over 900km of gritting routes are set to be treated. We have stockpiled over 6,400 tonnes of salt, with over 800 grit bins filled across the region.  

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 and the public for helping chose the winning names. The names add flare and personality to our gritters.

"We can't wait to see Gritty Gritty Bang Bang and Spready Mercury on the road this winter, keep an eye out for them on your travels."