A BREAKDOWN unit whose patch includes the Somerset border – and the Glastonbury Festival – has been crowned Western Patrol of the Year by the RAC.

Niki Rowles, from Cullompton in Devon, picked up the coveted title at the motoring firm’s national awards ceremony at Silverstone.

He was selected from more 199 patrols in the region for his “outstanding breakdown assistance and customer service, helping RAC customers get back on the road as quickly and smoothly as possible”, a spokesperson said.

After starting his career as the youngest firefighter in Devon (at the time) and then going on to manage a garage, Niki became an RAC patrol in 2002 to challenge himself and spend more time outdoors.

The 48-year-old, who spotted the job in an advert in a local paper, now goes to the rescue of members across Exeter, Torbay and the Cornwall and Somerset borders.

Niki was described by his patrol team manager, Gary Hesketh, as a “valuable, inspiring member of the team who always does his best for the customer”.

“Niki’s dedication is unparalleled as he goes above and beyond to support his colleagues at work and on his days off,” Gary added.

The out-of-hours support included breakdown assistance at this year’s Glastonbury Festival, where Niki organised team accommodation and attended a variety of jobs such as flat batteries, broken steering pipes and lost keys.

“The best part of my job is the variety, as every day is different,” Niki said after his win.

“You never know the type of breakdown you’ll attend, who you’ll meet or where you’ll end up during the day.

“I just love helping people and the challenge of fixing a car at the roadside or at someone’s home. Nothing beats seeing the look on someone’s face when you can help get them back on their way after breaking down.

“I’m extremely motivated in my work and always try my best at what I do. Although I’ve been nominated a few times before, this is the first time I’ve won.”

While Niki took the title of Western patrol of the year, four other RAC employees were also recognised for their services.

James Jones won national patrol of the year, Steven Webster was recognised as Northern patrol of the year, Richard Heathcock took Eastern and Allan Pett was awarded in the Southern region.