A GRITTER that will help keep Basingstoke moving during the winter months has been officially named as Hagrit by a Basingstoke pupil.

Students at Dove House Community Academy took part in a competition to name one of highway and winter maintenance service company Amey's gritting vehicles, and Sean Haynes was announced as the winner.

Hagrit, inspired by the Harry Potter character Hagrid, was officially named at a special event held at Dove House, in Sutton Road, last month, where a winter scene was created using a snow machine supplied by A Plant.

David Fawcett, Amey's customer service manager, gave a brief talk at the event about the winter service offered by Amey, which works with Hampshire County Council.

Pupils were then given the opportunity to have a closer look at the vehicle and find out how much salt it can carry.

Mr Fawcett said: "We are very committed to building relationships across Hampshire and offering our support wherever we can. It's always a pleasure working with Dove House and getting the teachers and pupils involved in projects, such as naming one of our gritters, is a truly rewarding experience."

Hannah Stroud, head of inclusive education and aspirations at Dove House, added: "Our pupils had a great time coming up with suitable names for the gritter."

Hagrit will be the dedicated gritting vehicle salting Basingstoke, and is the sixth to be named of the 51 salting vehicles that Amey operates on behalf of Hampshire County Council.

Councillor Sean Woodward, executive member for economy, transport and environment at Hampshire County Council, said: "Keeping the main roads clear and safe is a priority for the county council so people can get to work and school during the winter, whatever the weather.

"Teams of highways staff work round the clock during the winter salting the roads when temperatures drop. Salt runs are often carried out through the night so I hope the children enjoyed the opportunity to see the gritter close up."

Hampshire's highways teams are on full alert from October to the end of April ready to deal with wintery road conditions.

A total of 51 salting vehicles and snow ploughs have already been checked and are on stand-by, and weather and road conditions are now being monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week.