CHESHIRE East's fleet of gritting trucks is preparing to keep more than 1,200 miles of highway safe for motorists this winter.

Crewe councillor said: "Cheshire East Council has set aside £1.2 million to ensure that our roads receive a full winter maintenance service.

"Our priority is to maintain safe driving conditions on the main routes but we will also salt secondary routes and some footways where possible.

"Last winter our gritters were called out on more than 90 occasions, each time treating over 1,000km of highway and spreading over 12,000 tonnes of locally mined rock salt.

"Safety throughout the winter months is vital and our gritting teams will work around the clock to maintain and monitor road conditions."