An Elvis impersonator's career is on the rocks because he got too fat for his jumpsuit.

Elvis Aaron Presley Junior - formerly known as Ken Smith - said he was forced to sell his beloved outfit because he has eaten too many burgers.

Elvis, 51, decided to sell the red, extra-large suit, complete with cape, through the classified section in his local paper.

He said: "I've put on weight since stopping smoking and couldn't get inside it anymore.

"I was sad when I had to sell it - it's been my favourite for years.

"Sixteen people rang up and I eventually sold it to a man who sings at Elvis clubs. I was determined it would go to a good home."

Elvis, from Wallsend, North Tyneside, doesn't intend to go without his jumpsuit for long as he is having a new one made.

It will be Royal Blue and tailored by the same shop that made the original two years ago.

As well as getting an extra-extra-large jumpsuit, Elvis plans to have a nose job to look more like his hero.

He said: "My nose is a bit wider than his at the moment. If I go private it will cost about £2,700.

"I think I would look more like him then."

He plans to raise the money through a sponsored pool marathon in his new suit.

Life has been different since he changed his name by deed poll five years ago.

He says: "Sometimes the postman takes his cap off to me. But my father still calls me Ken.

"I suppose it takes some getting used to."