THERE'S a guy works down North Pier swears he's Elvis...

Heath Ashton, 31, may be the latest in a long line up of tribute acts to the King of rock 'n' roll, but he is the first to have been given the official Graceland seal of approval.

And hip-swiveller Heath is also the winner of the GMTV search for the best Elvis tribute in the country.

Heath will perform on Blackpool's North Pier every Friday from June 14 to August 9. And he gave Blackpool hoteliers a sneak preview of his act last week at the summer season launch at the Tower with a timely version of Viva Las Vegas among others.

The Citizen caught up with him in his dressing room. "I'm actually a truck driver from Tiverton," said the father of five as he lounged in a bejewelled turquoise jumpsuit.

"I'm a huge Elvis fan and wasn't interested in the GMTV thing at first because I thought they were going to trash him. But someone sent in a tape in for me anyway so it went from there.

"So many Elvises just do tribute acts, but I want to give people who can't see the real Elvis any more the best I can.

"I'm not Elvis Presley and I'm not trying to be. I'm just trying to put on the sort of show that Elvis would have done himself if he were still alive.

"And I hope I keep my hair from all the dye I have to put on!"

Heath will also play live at Wembley on August 16 for the 25th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death, but local fans can catch him on North Pier every Friday from June 14 to August 9. Call Blackpool Live on (01253) 292029 for details.