THE one thing on the mind of Elvis Presley look-alike Brian Davies was helping to save the old theatre in which he was singing in Saltburn last night.

Mr Davies - stage name, B J Stevens - and his wife Lynn, have been staying with friends in the town before heading off next weekend to a new life and entertainment career in Spain.

But when he heard of the plight and the appeal for funding to save the near century-old building used as a theatre and community centre, he leapt at the chance to help with a charity concert.

"I like these old buildings and this is a fine example," he told me.

"It will be a fond and fitting farewell and an opportunity to wear some of the glittering rhinestone Elvis-outfits which I have had made for Spain."

It was a big decision for the entertainer, former steelworker and undertaker, who got the Elvis bug as a youngster after hearing his big brother play records.

"As to Elvis, I don't impersonate him. I don't like the word, for there is only one Elvis.

"All my acts with bands are in the rock and roll style, but throughout the North-East have always contained tributes to him."

Mr Davies now works solo and he said: "This move to Spain will give me the chance to further my career and, best of all, keep alive the Elvis Presley name."

Philip Thomson, chairman of the Saltburn Community and Arts Association which runs the building said Mr Davies' offer to join the show and help boost the building fund was a much appreciated gesture.

The couple are bound for a place near Alicante where they have friends, and several engagements have already been lined up for Elvis.