AN Elvis fan sacked after a row over singing the King's songs at work proved a big hit with North-East audiences when he made his radio debut yesterday.

David Jewers, 37, of Low Fell, Gateshead, appeared on Paul "Goffy" Gough's breakfast show, on Century FM. He impressed the presenter so much that Goffy has asked him to perform on his radio show every day this week.

"He did really well," said Goffy. "People rang up from all over the region, saying that he came across as a really nice guy and wishing him well.

"Being out of work is difficult and that registers with people, particularly here in the North-East. We have asked him to come back in every day this week."

Mr Jewers sang A Little Less Conversation - the same song that landed him in trouble with bosses at the Nissan car plant, in Sunderland. Last night, he was rehearsing his number for this morning's performance.

His wife, Michelle, said: "He was a hit. Someone rang in offering some Elvis backing tracks for him to use and another woman has asked David to open a karaoke night for her."

The former part-time club singer was sacked from his job on the production line at the car plant last year after a dispute with his supervisor over his singing along to an Elvis tribute on the radio.

He was sacked for gross misconduct, but he has taken the car manufacturer to an industrial tribunal and is seeking damages for unfair dismissal. A ruling is expected from the tribunal within the next two months.