Express delivery giant TNT has won worldwide acclaim after picking up a prestigious award and being praised by former US President Bill Clinton.

Britain's leading business-to-business express delivery operator has been warmly endorsed after winning the Global Citizenship Award at the Clinton Global Initiative Awards 2009 in New York - a ceremony established to recognise those who demonstrate visionary leadership in solving pressing global difficulties.

President Clinton, in a personal letter of commendation to TNT, singled out TNT's Chief Operating Officer Peter Bakker for special praise when he wrote: "Your employment of TNT fleets to address hunger, health and disaster relief is outstanding, and I can't think of anyone more deserving of this award.

"TNT has become a model for how the corporate sector can work successfully with civil society to improve lives around the world."

The award to TNT reflects the company's commitment to help worthy causes both here in the UK, and overseas. In the UK, TNT generates millions of pounds to help disadvantaged and disabled youngsters via the Wooden Spoon children's charity. Internationally, TNT helps the United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP) with cash and in-kind support.

TNT is also committed to reducing its impact on the environment by cutting its carbon footprint under an environmentally-friendly programme called Planet me.

Peter Bakker said:" What makes us special as TNT is that we are in every neighbourhood and on every road every day. Every day, the world is our stage. Every day we are confronted with the challenges the world has in store for us. Every day, road safety, greenhouse gas emissions, employee health and safety and hunger are global issues on our doorstep. Being the 'sure we can' people, we see these challenges, and act."

The Clinton Global Initiative Awards were established in 2007 to recognise extraordinary individuals who have demonstrated visionary leadership in solving pressing global challenges. Previous winners include Cisco and Coca Cola.