A ST HELENS distribution company scooped a top honour at the prestigious Motor Transport 2001 Awards.

Suttons Transport, based at Elton Head Road, Sutton Heath, beat off competition from the cream of UK and European logistics companies to pick up the 'Safety in Operation' prize at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Chief executive, Andrew Callaghan, said: "I made safety my number one priority when I arrived at Suttons and I could not be more delighted that the immense effort everyone here has made, has now been rewarded.

"The health and safety team, led by Alwyn Christmas, should be particularly congratulated for the way they have made safety part of our company culture. We have a responsibility to our employees, customers and the public in general, to ensure their safety. This award proves we are getting it right".