Blessings have been bestowed on Lincolnshire’s gritters at ceremonies at the county’s eight depots – with Rev Peter Garland, being welcomed to the Pode Hole depot.
The annual ceremony plays a meaningful part in the county’s winter preparations, which include assessing salt stocks and test-driving the gritters before icy weather sets in.
The Bishop of Lincoln, the Rt Revd Christopher Lowson, who blessed gritters at the Sturton-by-Stow depot, said: “The annual blessing of the gritting teams is an opportunity to thank them for their hard work in all weathers and at all hours to make the roads as safe as possible.
County Councillor Richard Davies, Executive Member for Highways and Transport, said: “All 43 of our gritters are ready to take on the challenges that this winter could bring to our roads, and the Bishop’s blessing will see our teams through the colder months ahead.
“However, there are occasions when salt won’t completely clear the road, so we’d like to remind motorists to drive safely this winter and stay up-to-date with weather conditions and the latest information on the roads.
“You can always find out more by following @LincsCC_roads on Twitter for the latest.”