A school helped give a gritter truck an original name ahead of the cold weather arriving.

RuleGrittania was chosen by pupils at Purleigh Primary School.

The lorry was given its new moniker at a naming ceremony by owners, Essex-based gritters De-ice.

Children across five schools in the EveleighLINK Academy Trust, which runs the Pump Lane school, took part in a competition last week to name the lorry.

The school received a £100 cheque, some bags of salt and a snow shovel in readiness for the winter ahead, and to help keep the playground and entrance safer during ice and snow.

Trust chief executive and headteacher Joseph Figg said: “De-Ice have helped us with clearing snow in the past and have also supported us with salt and grit provision.

“It was great to work with them on this competition, which the children thoroughly enjoyed.”

De-ice director Vicky Lopez added: “This has been a fantastic and fun way to share the message of winter safety with the children.

“They really enjoyed having the lorry on site, sitting in the cab and climbing on to the gantry.

“It’s amazing to be able to support our community and RuleGrittania has already been out on the roads doing some sterling work.”