A PRESTON-based John Lennon impersonator, who got rolling drunk with superstar Tom Jones, has taken heed of the top singer's tip.

Gary Gibson, 48, was advised by the world famous Welsh crooner to give up his Beatles act and perform Elvis tracks instead.

Now Gary has throw off his round Lennon glasses and pulled on a spangly Elvis jumpsuit for his new show!

From humble beginnings in Lostock Hall talented Gary progressed to the bright lights of the international stage -- performing as his idol, John Lennon.

But now he is putting on a charity show, donned in the Elvis look.

Gary said: "After doing it for so long you want to do something else."

But Gary had a helping hand in finding his new image -- from world famous sex symbol Tom Jones.

The Lennon look-a-like was touring America and Canada with the Welsh crooner in 1990 as part of a series of small concerts. They became friends and Tom gave Gary an open invitation to visit him in Las Vegas, where he spends a lot of his time.

Gary, who went to Lostock Hall Secondary School, Todd Lane, said: "Tom was telling me about Elvis because John Lennon was a big Elvis nut.

"Me and my girlfriend went back stage for a few drinks and we started singing Killing Me Softly. Elvis was always singing this song and his entourage used to get fed up with it.

"His minders were pouring us vodka and we got talking."

Tom was so impressed with Gary's impression of The King that he suggested he swap his Lennon look for the long sideburns and jumpsuit of Elvis.

Over the years Gary has played to audiences of thousands everywhere from Brazil to the Middle East. He is even a familiar face on television and has appeared on TFI Friday with Chris Evans as well as on adverts for British Airways and One-to-One.

But he has never forgotten his roots and still looks forward to local pub gigs around Preston.

He said: "One time you might be playing for 10,000 people in the Czech Republic and the next playing in Muldoons!

"But I prefer pub gigs to big stages because the people are closer to you." Gary will be singing as Elvis to celebrate The King's birthday, on January 10, at Lostock Hall Labour Club, Watkin Lane, Lostock Hall.

Proceeds from the gig will go to the British Heart Foundation.