Somerset schoolchildren have come up with creative names for two new gritters set to tackle the county's roads this winter, and now the public has the chance to choose their favourites.

Somerset Council has teamed up with local schools to raise awareness about winter road safety, giving the young pupils the task of naming the two new vehicles joining the council's fleet of 23 gritters. A shortlist of potential names has been drawn up, and now it's over to the public to decide.

The shortlisted names are:

• Elsa
• Gritty Gritty Bang Bang
• Snow Dragon
• Snow Problem
• Spready Mercury
• Wallace and Gritter

The winning names will be displayed on the sides of the gritters, and the schools behind the chosen entries will receive a special visit from the vehicles themselves.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council's lead member for transport and waste, said: "Thank you to all the schools who took part. We had some amazing, unique, and creative name suggestions – it was difficult to choose our shortlist. We can't wait to see the new gritters on the road this winter. This engagement is raising vital awareness regarding road safety during dangerous winter months."

Somerset Council has already made extensive preparations for the winter season, with plans to treat over 900km of gritting routes and stockpiling more than 6,400 tonnes of salt. More than 800 grit bins have been filled across the county to keep roads as safe as possible during icy conditions.

Allan Rigby, general manager at Kier, said: "Preparing for winter is a year-round task, and we are ready for any quick changes in weather conditions – with our gritting fleet now mobilised and crews on standby 24/7. This naming competition is a great opportunity to engage the community in the work we do to keep people safe."

Voting is open until 5pm this Friday, October 25. You can cast your vote by clicking here or visiting Somerset Council's social media pages on Facebook and X.

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