Four extraordinary gritter drivers have been recognised at the first ever Econ Engineering Grit & Glory Awards, representing the best of winter maintenance across the nation. Gary Lawson, Fraser McLennan Topping, CheyenneMacdonald Cameron and Mark Hazle have all been honoured for their commitment, resilience and skill, keeping communities safe and connected through the harshest winter months.
Durham’s Gary Lawson has been crowned the Gritter Driver of the Year for the North of England and was also chosen as the overall Gritter Driver of the Year for 2026. In this, his 40th winter on the roads, the judges recognised Gary’s unwavering commitment and ability to inspire his fellow drivers, taking a hands-on role in training the next generation of winter maintenance operatives. His colleagues speak of his tireless work ethic and his constant willingness to go above and beyond, whilst being able to ‘manoeuvre his Econ gritter in ways others would never attempt.’
Northampton’s Mark Hazle is the South of England’s Gritter Driver of the Year. Referred to as “the heartbeat of the West Northamptonshire gritting team,” Mark juggles his role as a gritter driver with his responsibilities as an on-call fire fighter and has seen some of the toughest situations on the road. In one particularly poignant moment in Mark’s career, he volunteered to drive a gritter as part of a funeral procession for a colleague who had sadly passed away, a fitting tribute that moved the judges, and the entire gritting community.
27-year-old Cheyenne Macdonald Cameron is Scotland’s Gritter Driver of the Year. Gaining her HGV license at just 23, Cheyenne covers the notorious Glencoe route, often navigating some of the most challenging driving conditions in the UK. One stand-out moment noted by the judges was when she received a police escort through the Glencoe gorge, known as the Meeting of the Three Waters, travelling up the wrong side of the road so she could salt beneath the tyres of vehicles stuck on an icy incline.
Fraser McLennan Topping, named Wales’ Gritter Driver of the Year, has spent the last four winters tackling some of the country’s most challenging rural roads. Recognised for his professionalism, calmness under pressure and community-first approach, Fraser has consistently put others before himself, even volunteering to cover shifts so his colleagues could spend Christmas with their families. His story is one of remarkable resilience, overcoming personal setbacks and continuing to serve his community with pride.
Econ launched the Grit & Glory Awards after research revealed that the public significantly underestimates the role gritter drivers play in keeping the UK moving during winter. The study found that fewer than one in ten Brits recognise gritter drivers as winter heroes, despite their vital contribution.
Jonathan Lupton, managing director at Econ said: “Reading every one of the entries to the Gritter Driver of the Year competition was incredibly heart-warming, but Gary, Mark, Cheyenne and Fraser really stood out to the judges. Each one of these selfless individuals goes above and beyond to keep their communities safe, missing Christmases and birthdays, rescuing people and livestock and more, all whilst demonstrating an immeasurable level of skill and knowledge of our vehicles and the industry. We’re so pleased to be able to recognise these people in these vital roles, which is often unseen by the public.”
Econ is the country’s leading manufacturer of gritters and snow ploughs, with 85% of the winter maintenance vehicles supplied to local councils and private contractors coming from its North Yorkshire-based factory. To find out more, visit www.econ.uk.com/grit-and-glory-awards.