GRITTING teams from Worcestershire Highways have parked up their vehicles for the final time this season.

They clocked up more than 87,000 miles - equivalent to travelling around the world more than three times.

Teams were officially stood down on Wednesday, having worked since October every time temperatures dipped below 0C across the county.

Gauges dropped below freezing regularly, resulting in an increase of more than 35,000 miles covered when compared to 2013/14.

Jon Fraser, Worcestershire County Council spokesman for highways, said: "It's been another very busy winter for our gritting crews.

"The number of times they were required increased significantly when compared to 2013/14.

"Over the festive period, crews clocked up the equivalent number of miles of travelling from County Hall in Worcester to Delhi in India and back again in just a couple of weeks.

"The teams have been stood down for another season but over the summer we will be busy preparing for the next winter season, so that we are ready to swing into action again later this year.

"Finally, we'd thank all the motorists across Worcestershire for playing their part by adjusting their driving to the conditions when freezing temperatures bit.

"Grit has never been, or never will be, a miracle cure so extra care is always needed when gauges drop sub-zero."

The official end of the gritting season also means the @worcscc Twitter account will leave its #GritterTwitter mode.