Paul Potter was nominated for the award by his three sons

Paul Potter, who was nominated by his three sons, juggles work, family duties and his role with Fishguard lifeboat.

He said volunteering as a crew member helped take his mind off his wife's death and allowed him to put something back into the local community.

His sons, Matthew, aged 10, Adam 14 and Daniel 15 all wrote letters putting their father's name forward.

A master mariner by trade, the 49-year-old lost his wife in 2002 following a four-year battle against cancer.

He had to change his job so he could spend more time with his sons and now works on a tug operating out of Milford Haven.

Working one week on and one week off, his mother and father in-law help look after his sons.

"A lot of people have this image of single parents that it's the woman with the children and being a lone father you have to deal with certain prejudices," he said.

"It became very apparent that the system is not set up for men. I rely on my in-laws to look after the kids when I'm away but they are in their late 70s. I know they don't mind. I really couldn't manage without their support."

Quality time

Mr Potter said he had got involved with the RNLI to try to put something back into the community, where his family was growing up.

"I try to keep busy just to keep my mind off things," he added.

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

"I'm putting something back into something I've taken for granted all my life."

The Lone Parent of the Year awards are voted for by the public online.

If he wins the national title then he and his sons will receive a 14 day holiday.