A Luton driving instructor and road safety guru has been given a top gong for his work making the town's highways a safer place to drive.

Les Stonnell, an instructor for almost 20 years, won an industry achievement award at a special ceremony in Daventry for his contribution to the teaching motorists and to road safety.

As a founder member of the Luton and District Driving Schools Association he was praised for working "tirelessly for his colleagues, the industry and the community".

A spokesman for the Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) awards said Les got involved in the Luton Festival of Transport, organising cars and displays in the central arena in his own time, to help raise money for charities and also set-up an innovative programme to teach young drivers about the dangers of poor driving.

The Luton Roadskill Partnership, as it is now known, has been running for two years, with three three courses each year, and feedback from over 200 participants, aged between 17 and 25, showed that none have been involved in a crash since attending the course.

The next course is scheduled for July 28. For more information contact Les Stonnell on 01582 597775 or email ladc.som@ntlworld.com.