THE road safety champions helping to keep the community's roads safer have been honoured at this year's Northern Ireland Road Safety Awards.
Individuals, organisations and projects from the voluntary, public, education and business sectors, as well as the emergency services were among the winners.
Hugh McIIhatton from Disability Action was winner of the lifetime achievement award.
"Every day I see the benefit of supporting people learning to drive or re-training after acquiring a disability," he said.
"I see the difference it can make to people's lives. One of the best things about my job is supporting someone to realise that they can drive when they thought it wasn't possible.
"Road safety is core to what we do. But ultimately I hope that the legacy of my work will be that society sees more disabled people out and about in their communities and enjoying the freedom that driving brings."
The awards, now in their third year, are organised by Road Safe NI and sponsored by accident management specialist, CRASH Services.
The awards were presented last Friday at an event attended by more than 120 specially invited guests at Cultra Manor, Holywood.
I hope that the legacy of my work will be that society sees more disabled people out and about in their communities and enjoying the freedom that driving brings - Hugh McIlhatton, Disability Action
Davy Jackson from Road Safe NI said there had been a fantastic response to the competition, with the highest number of entries yet.
"We are delighted to play our part in recognising those who go the extra mile to promote road safety," he said.
"The winning entries really stood out for their commitment over a long period of time and for delivering innovative projects.
"There is so much good work going on across our schools, local communities, emergency services and businesses.
"The award winners are an inspiration to others and they is no question their efforts are saving lives on the road."
Tony McKeown, sales and marketing director at CRASH Services, said the company was pleased to have supported the awards again, particularly as the business has "close connections to road users".
"We congratulate everyone for their extraordinary commitment to road safety."
As well as CRASH's support, other sponsors included Abbey Centre, U105, New Driver NI, Hankook Tyres, Applegreen, JMK Solicitors and Drive Tech.
Northern Ireland Road Safety Awards 2017 Winners
Primary school: St Brigid's PS, Mayogall and St Aloysius PS, Lisburn
Lollipop person: Mark Kipling, Harding Memorial PS, Belfast
Secondary school: Loreto Grammar School, Omagh
Driving instructor: Jim Doyle
Emergency services: Sammy Nicholl, Roy McAllister and Constable Sue Wright
Voluntary sector: Guy Thomson and Life After
LGV: Woodside Motor Freight and Group
Business: NFU Mutual
Media:Crash, BBC Northern Ireland
wo wheels: Close Pass/See the Cyclist and Sustrans
Lifetime achievement: Hugh McIlhatton, Disability Action
There were also 13 highly commended entries
