THERE'S no doubt this year's festive celebrations have been a little different for all of us so to lighten the atmosphere, staff on Neath Port Talbot Council’s winter gritting fleet asked for help in naming their sturdy lorries.

Five gritting lorries have been named after local celebrities chosen by lorry drivers and other members of the hard working winter fleet staff.

They recognise rugby stars Justin Tiperic and Gareth Edwards, Skewen born rock singer Bonnie Tyler plus famous actors Richard Burton and Michael Sheen.

The names are Justin Non-sliperic and Gareth Spreadwards after rugby stars Justin Tiperic and Gareth Edwards, while Bonnie Tyre was named after Skewen-born rock singer Bonnie Tyler.

Film stars Michael Sheen and Richard Burton saw the other two gritters named Michael Gritter Ma-Sheen and Richard Brrrrrton.

The names will now be applied to gritting vehicles which cover specific routes appropriate to the names. For example, the HR2 route covers Cwmtwrch close to where Michael Sheen now has a home.

The council said it is grateful for the hundreds of suggestions from residents it received from all across Neath Port Talbot.

A spokesperson said: "A trend soon developed from the many entries with people throughout the local authority suggesting well known names from the area and further afield.

"Other suggestions which didn’t make it included, Kristian Snow'Kleary, Huw Spreadwards, Ma-Grit John, Keith Halen, Leon Gritton, Sharleen Griteri and Sir Snow Farah."