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ABC News
ABC News
National

UK council's new gritters named David Plowie, Gritsy Bitsy

"Be original".

That was the hopeful plea by Doncaster Council, who earlier this month asked the public for name suggestions on two new gritting vehicles.

For those of you who haven't heard of it, a gritting vehicle is used to clear snow and ice on busy roads.

In light of recent naming failures, including Boaty McBoatface and Ferry McFerryface, the savvy social media team even asked users to refrain from suggesting Gritty McGritface and Gary Gritter.

The outcome? Two vehicles named Gritsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Anti-Slip Machiney and David Plowie.

Doncaster Council said they were "delighted" with the result after thousands took part in the online poll, which saw Spready Mercury and Basil Salty also in the running.

Users had also suggested Gritney Houston, Walter the Salter and Grit Van Dyke but those names did not make the council's "comedy panel" shortlist.

The team did a live broadcast of the final draw, which involved drawing ping-pong balls with numbers drawn on them.

David Plowie and Gritsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Anti-Slip Machiney join an illustrious fleet of creatively named gritters, including Brad Grit, Gritney Spears, The Subzero Hero, Mr Plow and Usain Salt.

Deputy Mayor Glyn Jones told the BBC it was, "amazing that so many people have got involved in our gritter naming competition".

"And some of the suggestions are brilliant," he said.

"We look forward to Usain Salt, David Plowie and the rest of the gang keeping our roads safe this winter."

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