England football anthem inspires street sweeper name

While most football songs get belted out in the stands, England's unofficial anthem Sweet Caroline has inspired the new name of a street sweeper in Shrewsbury.

Ahead of Thursday's World Cup kick-off in the United States, residents may spot 'Sweep Caroline' making its way around the Shropshire town.

The 15-tonne road road sweeper has been given the name following a public vote organised by Shrewsbury Town Council, with a smaller vehicle named Optimus Grime.

The names were unveiled as the council revealed a new look for its fleet of street cleaning vehicles.

Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline became synonymous with England football fans during the team's run to the final of Euro 2020, and has remained a popular terrace anthem ever since.

The sweepers will help maintain more than 600 miles of roads, footpaths and cycle lanes across Shrewsbury, according to the local authority.

Town clerk, Helen Ball, said the sweepers were a visible symbol of the council's commitment to keeping the area "clean, welcoming and attractive".

"I want to thank our hardworking street cleaning operatives who are making a real difference in communities across Shrewsbury every day," she said.

"Their dedication and pride in their work is helping to create a cleaner town for everyone."

The vehicle's feature a bespoke design created by local graphic designer Alison Staples, of Romy Design in Shrewsbury Market Hall.

She said was "incredibly proud" to have had the opportunity to partner with the council on the project.

"As a local designer, it was important to create something that reflects the character and identity of our town, while also being practical and eye-catching on the vehicles.

"Seeing the finished sweepers out on the streets of Shrewsbury is a fantastic feeling, and I hope residents will enjoy spotting elements of the town represented in the design."

Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.