Carlisle Elvis impersonator Stevie Vegas is spending today feeling emotional as the world marks the 40th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death.

Stevie was 10 when the King of Rock 'n' Roll died.

He remembers the moment - August 16, 1977 - well.

He told the News & Star: "We were in the living room of our home on Castlerigg Drive in Morton when a newsflash came on the TV. It said the King was dead.

"My parents were distraught. I couldn't understand what was making them so upset. Images of Elvis flashed up on the TV and they told me to go to bed.

"News of his death went on for weeks. I've still got the old newspaper clippings from the time in my attic.

"It was then that I really got into his music."

Elvis Presley is regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century.

He suffered a heart attack in his Graceland estate on August 16, 1977 and died as a result.

Stevie, of Mardale Road, Raffles, said: "He was born into poverty and had a god given talent which wasn't realised until he went to record a song when he was 18.

"He didn't know he was that good a singer and he literally became an overnight success and that's why people can relate to him."

Stevie spend his days driving a truck and his nights performing as an Elvis tribute act.

He said: "I spent many years being Elvis but when the smoking ban came into force people stopped going out as much.

"I'm back doing my Elvis act now but I also play the guitar and do country and western music too."

Last weekend Stevie was in Blackpool performing a show along with 15 other Elvis tribute acts.

"It was great," he said.

"The audience loved it and they've booked us all again for next year."

He is spending today watching events unfold in Graceland, America - Presley's former Memphis home.

"I was very emotional. It was a sad day," said Stevie, 50.