"The AA got my rock band rolling again"

"I manage the indie band Shields. They were on their way from Newcastle to an important gig in London when, two hours from the venue, the van conks out.

"If they didn't make it on time we'd be letting down the fans. Plus the music press were there, so it was make or break. That's why I called the AA.

"The problem was a faulty brake calliper. The AA patrol towed them to a garage and phoned round for a replacement part, but it was getting late. So the mechanic made a patch that enabled the van to complete its journey. They got there in the nick of time and delivered a fantastic show. Rock 'n' roll."

Anthony Crook, Shields band manager