AS the winter chill has crept in this week, Renfrewshire's gritters have been out and about on the roads making sure the area is ready for the season.

But that's not the only place where the gritting crew can be found, as residents can now follow their journeys on the web.

All nine of the region's gritters have new names thanks to a successful social media #NameOurGritters competition last year. 

By going to Renfrewshire Council's website, you can follow the antics of Ploughlo Grittini, Tony Gritzpatrick, Gerry Raffersleigh, William Wall-ice, Thawin' Batty, Fridge of Weir, Buddie Baltic, Paisleigh and Gleniffer Brrraes.

Thawin' Batty was named after STV weatherman and Paisley lad Sean Batty, and he's looking forward to finding out where he is going throughout the winter.

Sean said: “As a weatherman, it is definitely one of the most interesting times of year but also very challenging. This winter, I have the additional excitement of watching out for Thawin Batty on the roads across Renfrewshire, and with the online tracker that will be even easier.

“We’ll need to wait and see what Mother Nature has in store for us and whether it’ll turn cold and icy or stay a more mild, wet and windy winter.

“Whatever the weather holds, I’ll be thinking too about our road workers who’ll be keeping us safe.”

The competition saw more than 1,600 suggestions submitted and more than 8,000 votes cast as the nine winners were chosen to patrol Renfrewshire’s streets this winter.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “We prepare months in advance of winter arriving and our teams have been working hard  for months now to keep the roads clear and gritted as best we can.

“Our winter teams work throughout the night and I’m pleased that the community will be able to see our gritting teams out working in all conditions.

“The added bonus of those familiar Renfrewshire names will help keep people interested and I would encourage everyone to check our website for information on how to be prepared for all eventualities this winter.”

To visit the website, go to www.renfrewshire.gov.uk