GRITTERS which will help keep roads in and around East Lindsey safe throughout the winter have been blessed at an annual ceremony.
Road safety prayers were led at highways depots across the district, including Manby and Horncastle.
Blessings began ten years ago by the former Bishop Of Lincoln, the Rt Rev John Saxbee.
He retired last year but his successor, the Right Rev Christopher Lowson, pictured, decided to continue the tradition.
He said: "People all over Lincolnshire are enormously grateful for the hard work of those who salt the roads in all hours and in all weathers.
"With many communities some distance from their nearest towns, Lincolnshire roads are depended upon for work, medical appointments, shopping and for visiting family and friends.
"The annual blessing of the work of the gritting teams is an opportunity to thank them for their work, to pray for their safety, and to remind us all of our responsibility to drive carefully for the sake of our own safety and that of others."
William Webb, Lincolnshire County Council's executive member for highways and transport, added: "Our 43 gritters are in top condition and ready for Lincolnshire's roads this winter, so now it's time for the Bishop to give his blessing to them as we wish our teams well in the challenging weather that could lie ahead.
"If you see our gritters when you're out and about, wish them well. They do an outstanding job of gritting the roads and helping to make them safer. There are occasions when salt is not as effective as others, so we urge all motorists to always drive to the conditions."
The county council's Gritter Twitter account is @LincsCC_Winter. Details of salting routes are available at libraries and petrol stations, at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/grittingroutes or by calling 01522 782070.