WHEN you send your car to a garage to get it fixed, you might reasonably expect to come away with the vehicle feeling as good as new.

But a garage in WGC has gone one better, and given away a new car absolutely free.

JN Tyres, in Swallow End, celebrated its 50th year in business by giving away a Chevrolet Matiz, worth �6,500, to one lucky customer who used the garage’s services between August and October this year.

In a prize draw held live on radio station Hertbeat FM, the winner was announced as Alan Toms, from Hertford Road, Digswell.

This week the 73-year-old visited JN Tyres and picked up the car from garage owner Alistair Turner.

“It was quite a shock, but we’re absolutely delighted and over the moon,” said Mr Toms, who has since given the car to his daughter.

“When we heard the news on Hertbeat it was astonishing.

“We were in the process of trying to buy a small vehicle for my daughter, who has two children and works as a teacher, and she desperately needed a car. Now a solution has been found.

“It’s a lovely little motor; absolutely brilliant.”

Mr Turner said he was delighted with the number of people who took part in the draw.

“The prize draw give away was a great success, and we’d like to say a massive thank you to all our customers for supporting this,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to the next 50 years.

“Work is about to begin on building a new MOT centre, and we now operate a van hire service as well. 2010 is going to be a great year.”

Mr Turner added he planned to continue to offer prizes to customers in the future.

n For more information, call JN Tyres on 01707 329181.