AS WINTER draws in, expect to see Salt and Vinegar, USS Enterplough, Sir Spreadmund Hilary, Roald Plough and Obi Wan Kesnowbi on the streets.

Those are the quirky names chosen for Bucks County Council’s gritter lorries as they get ready for the drop in temperatures.

Monday, October 14, marked the start of winter services for Transport for Buckinghamshire (TfB).

All vehicles have been thoroughly serviced and inspected by the 50 drivers to re-familiarise themselves with their machines.

The gritters were taken out on their routes on October 5 for the annual "winter parade" so that any changes, such as route amendments or overhanging trees, were noted and the team were able to ensure that all equipment on the vehicles is working correctly.

Bucks County Council deputy leader and cabinet member for transport, Mark Shaw, said: "I am sure that some people in Buckinghamshire will have been surprised to see the fleet of gritters out so early in the year when it was mild.

"However, I am filled with confidence that the TfB teams and winter gritting crews are ready to go when they are needed from now onwards".

Once the road service temperature is forecast to drop below +0.5°c and ice forms, daily gritting decisions will be tweeted on Twitter - @tfbalerts