A disabled campaigner from Sprowston has scooped an award for her campaigning work to improve access on public transport for other people with sight loss.

Bernie Reddington, 43, has triumphed in the transport category of the Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) Campaigning Awards.

Mrs Reddington, of Parkland Road, is a volunteer campaign co-ordinator for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

One of her main campaign successes has been her work to get free bus travel for people with sight loss reinstated by Norfolk County Council – part of which saw blindfolded councillors join Mrs Reddington on her journey to Castle Meadow and then on to Cringleford, using two buses, in September 2011.

Mrs Reddington said: 'I'm thrilled to have won and can't quite believe it. Through education and liaison I would like to increase the understanding of decision makers, transport operators and the general public about the barriers which prevent people with sight loss from being fully independent and included members of their communities.

'Local bus travel is a lifeline, providing a sole means of transport within the community for those who are not able to drive and cannot fund repeated taxi journeys.

'As Norfolk is extremely rural, people with sight loss can feel very isolated. That's why this campaign was so important.'

The awards ceremony was held yesterday,, presented by Channel Four News presenter, and patron of SMK, Jon Snow.

As receive tailored support from the SMK Campaigner Awards Programme which offers support, advice and a place to share information.

- Do you know someone who has won an award? Contact reporter David Freezer on 01603 772418 or david.freezer@archant.co.uk