County Durham man crowned first ever Gritter Driver of the Year

Gary Lawson, 62, of Crook, has been named the UK's first-ever Gritter Driver of the Year after 40 winters driving gritters and snowploughs for Durham County Council as part of Econ Engineering's Grit and Glory Awards.

Gary Lawson, 62, of Crook, has been named the UK's first-ever Gritter Driver of the Year in Econ Engineering's Grit and Glory Awards. He works for Durham County Council and has spent 40 winters driving gritters and snowploughs. The awards were created to highlight the often overlooked work of winter maintenance staff after research showed low public recognition. Organisers and judges praised Lawson's commitment, skill and community focus. Key details: - Gary Lawson was selected as the overall UK winner for 2026 after first winning the north of England regional award. - He has four decades of winter driving experience and is a qualified winter maintenance assessor who mentors younger drivers. - Lawson shared anecdotes about rescuing stranded drivers and supporting community activities such as a school competition to name a new snow blower. - Jonathan Lupton, managing director at Econ Engineering, said Lawson's entry stood out for kindness, dedication and technical skill. - Econ Engineering created the awards and supplies around 85% of the UK's winter maintenance vehicles from its North Yorkshire factory. Summary: The award highlights long service and the practical skills required for winter maintenance work while aiming to raise public recognition for gritter drivers. Lawson said he hopes to continue working in winter maintenance for many more years to come.