Paul Potter was nominated for the award by his three sons

Paul Potter was nominated by sons Matthew, 10, Adam, 14, and Daniel, 15, and all will now go a two-week holiday.

After losing his wife to cancer in 2002 Mr Potter joined the crew of Fishguard lifeboat to take his mind off his loss.

The 49-year-old received 23% of the votes from a short-list of 10 in an online poll.

Mr Potter gave up his job on the Irish Sea Ferries when his wife died due to its unsociable hours.

He now works on a tug boat operating out of Milford Haven and in his spare time is a volunteer member of the RNLI.

"As a lone parent, I've always done the best I can for my boys," he said.

"But you do miss out on the luxuries like holidays, so it will be great to be able to take the whole family away somewhere special.

"I never expected to win and I'm flattered people voted for me."

Mr Potter decided to offer his services to the lifeboat two years ago as he was a master mariner by trade.

"I try to keep busy just to keep my mind of things," he said.

"The RNLI has provided great focus to my life, helping me cope with my loss.