GRITTERS were out in force over the weekend, despite the fact that there was no ice.

Temperatures sat at a comfortable 14C in Worthing for much of the weekend but the bright yellow trucks still trawled across West Sussex.

This was part of West Sussex Highways’ Operation Snowflake, a test of the area’s winter readiness.

A West Sussex Highways spokesman said: “We want to ensure we’re winter ready.

“Drivers from contractor Balfour Beatty Living Places check the gritters and equipment are in good working order ahead of any severe weather later in the year.

“They also note any problems they might find on the routes, such as overgrown hedges needing attention.”