ABERGAVENNY'S own Elvis Presley and his Memphis Mafia are flying to Memphis next week to stay next door to Graceland.

In the last two years Keith Davies of Abergavenny Electrics has raised around £35,000 for charity with his gigs, when he performs without charge accompanied by his own Memphis Mafia.

Now five of the six Mafia are joining him on a trip to Memphis where they will stay in Heartbreak Hotel on Elvis Presley Boulevard.

Making the nostalgic trip are Rob Bates, Martin Bevan, Bryn Wiltshire, Mike Meadowcroft and Geoff Tree.

Said Keith: "It was my idea for us all to make the trip together as I took my two daughters Amber and Jade in March and we had a marvellous time.

"We are staying in the west wing, which is the only one with a view overlooking Graceland. This will be my sixth trip, and we will be there for the switching on of the Christmas lights, so for the first time Gracelandswill be open at night."

He is a member of the Elvis Insiders' Club based in Memphis and through them arrangements have been made for the men to meet two of Elvis' Memphis Mafia - his cousin Billy Smith and Marty Lacker.

Leith has been an Elvis fan since he was eight, no doubt inspired by his mum Hazel, another Presley devotee.

But before the six men leave, they have a very special duty to perform - switching on the Abergavenny Christmas lights on Saturday. They will make a guest appearance at the ceremony and Elvis will join the mayor and Father Christmas to press the button.

On December 8 they will perform at The Manor Hotel, Crickhowell and on January 27 at the Borough Theatre, Abergavenny.