Staffordshire council invites youngsters to name its 10 new gritters - no skidding!

Meet Gritizen Kane, one of 11 new gritters operating from Staffordshire council’s highways depot at Gailey, near Wolverhampton.

But the big question now is what to call the remaining 10 - and council leaders are asking the county’s youngsters to help, we skid you not.

The first gritter was named in tribute to England captain Harry Kane, with a nod to the classic film Citizen Kane, and is particularly appropriate given that Staffordshire is home to the national team’s St George’s Park.

The competition started in schools and county libraries, where children have been asked to come up with a name as part of a colouring competition, but is now being extended to an online entry competition, where children can submit their suggestions on a dedicated council web page.

While the new gritting fleet will be operating from Gailey to cover Cannock, Lichfield and surrounding areas, the competition is open to children from across the county. Winners will have their gritter name and applied to the vehicle.

Councillor Peter Mason, cabinet member for highways at Staffordshire County Council, said: “Our commitment to investing in highways operations means the new gritting fleet can hit the roads this winter.

“By asking both young people from across the county for gritter names we can get them involved in the launch of the new fleet in a fun and creative way. It also helps raise awareness of the vital work our gritting teams do – sometimes round-the-clock – during periods of cold and icy weather.

“We look forward to seeing our new gritting fleet, named and ready to roll and keep Staffordshire moving in the coming months.”

Here are a few suggestions from us - but we are sure you can do better:

1. Gritney Spears

2. The Blizzard of Oz

3. Spready Mercury

4. Andy Flurry

5. Gritter Garbo

6. Sleetwood Mac

7. Taylor Drift

8. Sled Zeppelin

9. Basil Salty

10. Bear Chills