Blackburn with Darwen's two new gritters have been given champion names to celebrate Rovers' Premier League-winning double strike force.

The borough council launched a competition to give the large orange winter road maintaining vehicles distinctive identities last month and saw hundreds of entries pour in.

And now its Mayor and Ewood Park regular Cllr Brian Taylor has selected the winning names 'Alan Clearer' and 'Grit Sutton'.

The names - suggested by Ian Wilson from Longridge, who follows the council’s social media channels for news and travel information - recall the forward duo of Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton who took Blackburn Rovers to the Premier League title in 1994/95.

Shearer, whose partnership in front of goal with Sutton was key to the triumph, said: "After opening Alan Shearer Way in Blackburn back in 2015, it’s an absolute honour to now have a gritter named after me.

"Well done Ian for coming up with such a fantastic name!

"I wish ‘Alan Clearer’ all the best in his new role of keeping residents safe from snow and ice and hope that the winter is kind to everyone."

Cllr Taylor said: "I really enjoyed reading a fantastic range of suggestions for the names of our new gritters, which came from residents of all ages.

"A huge thank you to everyone for getting involved.

"I’m a big Rovers fan and when I saw a take on two names that are considered legends for catapulting the Rovers to the world stage in the 90s, it was definitely love at ‘frost’ sight!"

Mr Wilson said: "I’ve been a Rovers fan for over 30 years now and remember the club winning the Premier League like it was yesterday.

"This year marks the 30th Anniversary of that title-winning season, and with Sutton and Shearer being key to the Club’s performance, what better way than to name the gritters in their honour.

"I can’t believe my names have been chosen."

Lynsey Talbot, head of operations at Blackburn Rovers, added: "Everyone connected to the football club is obviously extremely proud of what we achieved in 1994-95, and Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton played such a pivotal role in our success that season.

"As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of that historic achievement this season, it is fantastic to see two new gritters arrive for the winter period who are named in honour of such an iconic duo."