Nearly 2,000 miles of roads are gritted in Lincolnshire each year

The Bishop of Lincoln, the Right Reverend Dr John Saxbee, led the blessings in a service at the Sturton by Stow depot near Gainsborough.

Ministers took services at the eight other depots across the county.

Dr Saxbee said the service highlighted the role played by the service in making roads safe for everyone.

Lincolnshire County Council grits nearly 2,000 miles (1,200km) of roads each year.

"The gritting lorries are very visible on the county's roads, but their work is often taken for granted," said Dr Saxbee, who wrote the prayer for the ceremonies.

"It is very important to remember the hard work of the drivers and those working at the depots through the long winter nights to make the roads safer for everyone."

Prayers were offered for the safety of all road users, and for accident victims and their families at the services.

It is the fourth time the blessings have been held.