SNOWCIAL Distancing and Snowvid-19 are among the 50 names shortlisted for a competition to find names for Shropshire's gritters

In mid-October Shropshire residents were invited to suggest names for the 25 vehicles in the Shropshire Highways fleet.

More than 750 suggestions were made, narrowed down to 50, and people are now being asked to vote for their favourites.

Topical names on the shortlist include Super Spreader, Snowcial Distancing and Snowvid-19, along with Chris Gritty, Captain Tom and Snow Wicks.

There are nods to famous musicians – Melton John, Lewis Caploughdi, David Plowie and Lionel Gritchie; to TV and film stars – Hugh Lorrie, Gritter Garbo, Meryl Sweep and Robert Ploughney Jr; to TV shows and films – Gritain's Got Talent; The Grittiest Showman and Gritty Woman; and to TV presenters – Spreddie Flintoff and Jon Snow.

From the world of sport, Roger Spreaderer and Usain Salt make an appearance.

And yes, Gritty McGritface is there too.

Three of the gritters will continue to be named after local youngsters Zac Oliver, Charlie Desmond and Jack Edwards.

One is to be named The Harry Johnson Trust, in memory of local boy Harry Johnson, and to help raise awareness of the charity set up in his name

And one is to be named after Percy Mullaly, long-serving car park attendant at Shirehall in Shrewsbury who sadly passed away earlier this year.

That leaves 20 names to be chosen, with the public being invited to choose their favourite.

Steve Davenport, Cabinet member for highways and transport, said it would be tough to choose between the shortlisted names.

"We asked for people to suggest names for our gritters and we've had a fantastic response, with more than 750 suggestions made," he said. "I want to say a big thank you to everyone who suggested a name.

"Our 'experts' have considered all of the suggestions and have drawn up a shortlist of the 50 best or most popular names – and there are some really good ones.

"I don't think it'll be easy for people to pick their favourites but I hope they'll have a go."

The 50 names have been randomly placed into five groups of 10 names. People can vote for up to four in each group.

The four most popular names in each group – 20 names in total – will then be given to the gritters before they hit the roads this winter.

Voting ends at 12noon on Wednesday, November 25, with the winning names announced shortly afterwards.

To vote, visit www.shropshire.gov.uk/nameourgritters