PUPILS at a Port Glasgow primary showed true grit – after a visit from staff in charge of keeping Inverclyde’s trunk roads free of ice and snow.

Children at St John’s were delighted to welcome workers from Scotland TranServ, the company responsible for maintaining local routes such as the A8 and A78.

Staff spoke to primary three pupils about winter services and how gritters play a vital part in keeping motorists on the move and also brought one of their heavy duty vehicles with them.

Youngsters also took part in an ice challenge, where they created their very own mixture of rock salt and brine, to learn how this helps melt snow and ice on road surfaces and ensure they are safe for motorists.

Mark Coyle, St John’s head teacher, said: “The children enjoyed learning about the importance of keeping roads safe for motorists.

“The ice challenge was good fun and the children loved the opportunity to get up close with the gritters to see how they operate.”

Scotland TranServ’s winter fleet consists of 41 gritters and snow ploughs, including 14 ‘super gritters’ which each weigh over 32 tonnes and can carry up to 15 tonnes of salt at any one time.

They are also able to spread double the amount of salt in one pass, therefore reducing the need for re-application and in turn their carbon footprint.

Ian Stewart, the company’s training manager, said: “I am pleased that we have been able to work in partnership with St John’s Primary School to raise awareness of the services that we provide within their local community.

“We have almost 100 operatives on standby, 24/7 until May 2017, ready to take on whatever challenges Mother Nature may throw at them.

“While our teams utilise the latest long-range weather forecasting and our hi-tech vehicles are programmed with each route and equipped with cutting edge technology, it is the skills, knowledge and experience of our drivers that is our most effective weapon against the wintry weather.”