AA patrolman Malcolm Ducker, of Cherhill, has reached the final heat in the motoring service's Patrol of the Year awards.

Mr Ducker, 38, who has worked for the Automobile Association for three years, competed against 3,500 patrols across the country to be included in the final 15.

The search for this year's AA Patrol of the Year began with the selection of the top 400 patrols in January. Since then, Mr Ducker has had to undergo a number of interviews, mock breakdown scenarios and mechanical tests.

"It's the luck of the draw," said Mr Ducker, who likes to unwind at the end of the day by taking his 600cc Kawasaki motorbike for a spin on the country roads.

"I've always said the winner will be the best person on the day.

"I'm not nervous because I have done the final tests and there's nothing more I can do."

Mr Ducker, who enjoys fishing and relaxing with the occasional game of golf, said the best part of working for the AA was that no two jobs were ever the same.

He said he enjoyed problem solving, whether that meant fixing a mechanical fault in a car or helping stranded passengers to reach their destination.

The finals of the competition will take place at the Celtic Manor Hotel in Newport, South Wales, on March 28, where the winner will be announced. Mr Ducker, who has two teenage sons, said: "If I win it that will be great, but either way I'll have a great night out."