Nearly 20 years after he first put on his blue suede shoes, Elvis impersonator Steve Preston speaks to us about a career that has lasted nearly as long as that of The King himself.

STEVE Preston isn't just another wannabe Elvis impersonator dressed in a cheap white jumpsuit.

He's performed in countless highly-acclaimed shows, played at former Arsenal captain Tony Adams' wedding and is the only Elvis tribute act to ever perform for the Queen.

In short, he's about as close to The King as it's possible to get.

Born and bred in Rossendale, Steve has played packed-out venues all over the world but still makes time for frequent shows in his own back yard.

Now known as Britain's best tribute act, Steve is bringing his latest show to Burnley Mechanics and it promises to a spectacular event, with all the favourites and some songs you might never have heard before.

He said: "We try to keep it fresh so that you don't just get a repeat of all the songs every impersonator will belt out. We want to wow with unheard material and keep the crowd guessing and wanting more."

Despite getting into singing by accident when the group he was in at college needed a new singer, he is a massive fan of Elvis and would not want to have lived his working life any other way.

But Steve says it is important that his act does not spill into his home life.

"I get such a buzz being on the stage but the worst part of my job is the image. When people ask my wife what I do for a living, her toes curl.

"So I have made sure I have treated my job as an acting role that is over before I return home. I wouldn't have dared name my children after him, as some big fans have. They would never have forgiven me."

Despite this year marking the 30th anniversary of Elvis's death, Steve says he has many more years in him as the crowds, if anything, have begun to grow.

"As some fans pass away new ones are born and we are getting more and more people following the tours. Even the young ones can recognise how brilliant the music of Elvis is."

Elvis in Concert is coming to Burnley Mechanics on Friday, October 5. Details from the box office on 01282 664400.