New Transport Minister Paul Clark congratulated the UK's new generation of tramway operators for an outstanding year of achievement and innovation when he attended the Light Rail Awards 2008 - only hours after taking on his new job.

It was a night to remember for the growing industry as the ceremony brought together the UK's operators, manufacturers and suppliers in an area of ever-growing economic and political significance. Held at the prestigious Café Royal in London, the Light Rail Awards 2008 was organised by Tramways & Urban Transit.

Hosted by BBC TV new anchorman, and long-time light rail aficionado, Nicholas Owen and the Managing Director of London Rail, Ian Brown, this year's ceremony recognised excellence in categories such as customer initiatives, safety and innovation as well as employee, team, project and the highly-coveted Operator of the Year award. Overall, the event proved the UK is still committed to developing world-class urban transit solutions.

FULL LIST OF HONOURS

Best Customer Initiative
Winner: Serco Docklands
Highly Commended: Travel Midland Metro

Most Significant Safety Initiative
Winner: Tyne & Wear Metro
Highly Commended: Nottingham Express Transit

Innovation of the Year
Winner: Alstom
Highly Commended: Tyne & Wear Metro

Project of the Year
Winner: South Yorkshire PTE/Stagecoach Supertram
Special Mention: Edinburgh Tram

Employee of the Year
Winner: Bryan Lindop, Blackpool Transport
Highly Commended: Alex Carr, Tyne & Wear Metro

Team of the Year
Winner: Nottingham Express Transit
Highly Commended: Tyne & Wear Metro

Supplier of the Year
Winner: Bombardier Transportation

Operator of the Year
Winner: Serco Docklands
Highly Commended: Nottingham Express Transit

Judges Special Award for Outstanding Achievement
James Harkins

Campaigner of the Year
Paul Rowen MP