A gritter driver from County Durham has been named the UK’s first-ever Gritter Driver of the Year.
Gary Lawson, 62, of Crook, received the national title as part of Econ Engineering’s Grit and Glory Awards, which recognise the unsung heroes who keep roads safe during winter.
Mr Lawson, who works for Durham County Council, has spent 40 winters behind the wheel of gritters and snowploughs.
Jonathan Lupton, managing director at Econ Engineering, said: "Reading every one of the entries to the Gritter Driver of the Year competition was incredibly heart-warming, but Gary’s really stood out to the judges.
"His kindness, commitment and dedication to his community and our industry really came across."
Known for his professionalism, technical skill, and community spirit, Mr Lawson has become a mentor to younger drivers.
He said: "There’s been many a Christmas morning when my wife, son and now grandchildren have held off opening presents until I get back from work.
"It’s not easy, but my family is incredibly supportive of my job and understand that it’s something I’ve just got to do.
"I’ve also been known to abandon my shopping basket in the Coop when I’m on call.
"When the weather turns, it’s about getting to the yard as quickly as you can."
Mr Lawson also recalled a memorable April Fool’s Day when he was asked to rescue three abandoned cars on the Teasdale border.
He said: "I thought he was joking but sure enough, 100m up, the weather changed and I ended up with a cab full of stranded drivers and passengers.
"There’s no rule book for every eventuality that we come across, which is why I’m so passionate about passing on my experience to the younger drivers.
"Honestly, I've seen it all and sometimes, our experiences make Ice Road Truckers look like toddlers."
Mr Lawson, who is a qualified winter maintenance assessor, dedicates time to industry events and mentoring new recruits.
He recently helped run a school competition to name Durham County Council’s new snow blower.
Mr Lupton said: "The judges particularly enjoyed reading that Gary can ‘manoeuvre his Econ gritter in ways others would never attempt.’
"It takes an incredible amount of skill to handle the vehicles, often in dangerous conditions, and people like Gary are fundamental to the future of the industry."
Mr Lawson was named Gritter Driver of the Year for the north of England before being selected as the overall UK winner for 2026.
He said: "It’s such an honour to receive this award, especially in this, my 40th winter on the roads.
"I’ve seen a lot of change over the years, with my first job on the gritter being as a ‘second man’ hand pumping the snow plough up and down.
"What keeps me motivated is my dedication to keeping my local community safe.
"My route is very close to where I live, so when I’ve completed a shift, I go home knowing that my family and friends will be safe.
"Knowing that I’ve made difference means everything.
"I hope to keep working in winter maintenance for many more years to come."
Econ Engineering created the Grit and Glory Awards after research showed that fewer than one in ten members of the public recognise gritter drivers as "winter heroes".
The awards aim to change that perception and highlight the vital, often overlooked work done during the harshest months of the year.
Mr Lupton said: "We’re very proud of the role Econ plays in keeping our nation moving.
"This winter, our customers up and down the UK will be gritting, clearing and de-icing, knowing that every Econ vehicle will stand up to the task at hand.
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"But none of that would be possible without the dedication and skill of hundreds of highly trained gritter drivers.
"Getting up in the middle of the night and going to work in all weathers and over the festive period, it’s only fitting that these hardworking individuals get the recognition that they deserve."
Econ Engineering supplies 85 per cent of the UK’s winter maintenance vehicles from its factory in North Yorkshire.
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