A driver for Durham County Council has been crowned the first ever gritter driver of the year, thanks to his professionalism, community spirit and technical know-how.
Gary Lawson, 62, from Crook was nominated by four of his managers for the award created by winter maintenance vehicle manufacturer Econ Engineering.
Many of Lawson’s colleagues refer to him as “the AA” of the gritter world, due to his unrivalled knowledge of the vehicles and problem-solving abilities.
Econ said the driver was no stranger to juggling his personal life with his life on the roads and like many other gritter drivers, he had missed many Christmas mornings with his family to ensure motorists could drive safely on otherwise frozen roads.
It was this commitment, along with his dedication to the younger generation of gritter drivers that really wowed the judges.
Lawson 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 Co-op when I’m on call. When the weather turns, it’s about getting to the yard as quickly as you can.”
He added: “On another occasion, I got a call from my manager on April Fool’s Day, asking me to go and rescue three abandoned cars on the Teasdale border.
“Obviously, 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!”
As a qualified winter maintenance assessor, Lawson thrives on mentoring new winter maintenance operatives and he even dedicates time to represent the industry at events and in schools, recently being instrumental in a children’s naming competition for the council’s new snow blower.
Jonathan Lupton, Econ MD 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.
“He’s never been late in 40 years of service, he’s rescued people, livestock and emergency vehicles in freezing temperatures and at unsociable hours.
“He really is a role model.”
Econ launched the Grit & Glory Awards after research revealed that the public significantly underestimated the role gritter drivers play in keeping the UK moving during winter.
The study found that fewer than one in 10 Brits recognise gritter drivers as winter heroes, despite their vital contribution.
Lawson added: “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.”
Lawson was named North of England gritter driver of the year, with winners also crowned in the South of England, Wales and Scotland.
He was then selected by the judges as the overall winner for 2026.
