A DAWLISH mechanic will become a calendar pin-up after being announced as a Valeo Garage Hero finalist as part of a national competition to highlight the 'fantastic' work done by mechanics at the UK's independent garages.

After being nominated by customers Roy and Susan Hubbard – 'because of his honesty and reliability and someone who can always be trusted to help out in any situation' – Kelvin Martin, of the 2'N'4 Repair Centre, Exeter Road, has received a £200 cash prize and will appear in a national fundraising calendar with the stunning Valeo Garage Hero Girls.

It will not only promote his business but raise funds for road safety charity, Brake, and motor industry benevolent fund Ben.

Kelvin is also one step closer to being awarded the title of Britain's Garage Hero and has the chance to win £1,000.

He has vowed to hand over some of the cash to charity should he be crowned champion.

Kelvin is one of six independent mechanics to have been short-listed.

The winner was to be announced at the IAAF Industry Conference and Awards Dinner last night.

'It is an honour to have been nominated, let alone be shortlisted as a finalist, and I am proud to represent the rest of the team at Dawlish 2'N'4 Repair Centre in the Valeo Garage Hero competition,' he said.

'If I was lucky enough to win, I would donate some of the prize money to Help for Heroes and would share the rest with my fantastic colleagues, who have always been there to support me,' he said.

Brent Hudson, marketing director at Valeo Service (UK), said: 'There are hundreds of private independent garages across the UK and this award is designed to recognise the fantastic work they do. 

'We want to highlight the unsung heroes in the industry, who represent the quality, service and commitment that people look for in an independent garage.

'We received a flood of entries from garages, friends, family and happy customers across the country but Kelvin really stood out.

'The commitment he has shown to his garage and the local community, as well as the industry as a whole is truly inspiring and we wish him the best of luck in the final.'