Here's why a gritter was out working on this Yorkshire road today

One of the vehicles was deployed to spread absorbent material on the surface of the A687 in the Dales after an oil spill today.

Gritters could be sent out to stop roads melting in the heatwaveA car lost its oil over a stretch between Ingleton and Burton-in-Lonsdale covering several miles.

A similar leak was also reported on Otley Road in Ilkley today, although it's not clear whether it was caused by the same faulty vehicle.

Gritters do have other summer functions - in June it was reported they could be sent out to spread crushed rock dust onto surfaces to prevent them melting in extreme heat.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Beresford.