Those of you capable of casting your minds back to the heady days of 2016 may remember Oldham council's attempt to jump on the Boaty McBoatface saltwagon...
We want you to name our new gritter, so send us your suggestions by 5pm on 30 Nov https://t.co/Az3uSHcuME
The winner was eventually decided. Oldham's new gritter was to be called "Nicole Saltslinger". Which was a travesty, because it meant this entry was cruelly overlooked:
@OldhamCouncil Gritsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Anti-Slip Machiney
As we once again wake to frost-covered windscreens, it's clearly that time of year again.
And so inevitably, the councils of Britain are back at it again with the yellow vans.
😱*Puts on tin hat* 😱 We would like your name suggestions for two of our new gritting vehicles, please. Keep em… https://t.co/vDcyqcL7XT
Before voting began, Doncaster council tried to inspire the public with their pre-existing gritters' names, such as Gritney Spears and Usain Salt.
Don't forget we already have gritters with the following names: - Brad Grit - Gritney Spears - The Subzero Hero - Mr Plow - Usain Salt
Finally we got underway. The first round included some very one sided fixtures.
The opening fixture of the #DoncasterGrittingWorldCup pits two titans against each other. Who will prevail in this fight for the ages?
The British public quickly decided it was a case of "give me a pun or GTFO". Quite right too.
Next up we have a suggestion from a young boy in Doncaster town centre, playing against one by an actual grown-up.
Match number three proved either, a) there is a groundswell of nationalism sweeping the country, or b) Fern Britton isn't on the TV much these days.
Daytime TV, or national pride? Finally, the age old debate will be settled in the #DoncasterGrittingWorldCup
Then came an early favourite:
One of the most popular suggestions faces off against a national hero.
And to complete the first round we had:
Road salt? Our gritting team don't want none unless you got tonnes, son.
Will another one bite the dust in this crucial fixture?
Wondering who will win this fixture is going keep us up all night long. All night. All night loong.
But then...WHAT'S THIS? Gritsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Anti-slip Machiney has risen from the ashes to fight another day!
We're going to have to do things differently for our final fixture, because one suggestion is too long for a poll b… https://t.co/LBrsDGwncn
It was actually submitted by the same person as last year. Unsurprisingly she was a little nervous...
@Adam_MarkOliver @MyDoncaster After the failure in Oldham last year, I don't know if I can take this sort of rejection again 😭
Moving on to the semi finals (of which there were four, because two gritters), it would seem democracy has recovered a little since 2016, with correct decisions being made across the board.
Which brings us to the present – the finals are currently being played out, with just hours of voting to go, and it is CLOSE:
Please choose between: Gritsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Anti-Slip Machiney and Spready Mercury
Please also choose one out of:
So if you want to take part in history, rather than sit back as decisions are made for you, you know what to do...
My word, this is tense.
UPDATE: The polls have closed. The results have been counted and verified....
We are DELIGHTED to be able to confirm what our new gritters will be called, following the… https://t.co/P67TfVN4sa