Lifetime award forfounder of Tufty Club

Pat Martin has been presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, after a dedicated 50 years of service and commitment to road safety.

Pat was the founder of the “Tufty” club which she established at Carnmoney Primary School in 1966.

She also helped to establish Newtownabbey Road Safety Committee.

Pat has served as chair for many years and has only recently retired as chair of Road Safe Northern Ireland, ­ formerly known as the Road Safety Council of Northern Ireland, after eight years of service.

Pat said: “It¹s a privilege to be recognised. When I set up a Tufty club in Carnmoney Primary School, Newtownabbey, I wanted to ensure that children were safe road users.

“The road safety messages taught in the sixties are still relevant today and it’s vitally important for kids to learn them.

“I’m also very grateful for all the support I was given by my school and by all the road safety education officers over the years.”

Pat was recognised for herwork at Northern Ireland’s Road Safety Awards 2016 which took place at Cultra Manor recently.

The awards recognised individuals, organisations and special projects from across the business, voluntary, education, emergency service and public sectors.

Tony McKeown, sales and marketing director at Crash Services, said: “Those recognised with an award reflect the value of educating all road users, but particularly vulnerable groups like pedestrians, young drivers, cyclists and motorcyclists and we hope that others will be inspired by the work of the winners.

“I congratulate everyone for their extraordinary commitment to road safety and to Pat Martin for dedicating her life for the benefit of others.”

Ballyclare Primary topped the primary section.