IT was a little less conversation, a little more action for Dave Black who hopes to be crowned the best Elvis impersonator in the country.

Dave was a popular impersonator back in his day, taking on the personas of Frank Spencer and Bruce Forsyth.

However, he wanted to come up with an act people of all ages would enjoy and a trip to Vegas set the ball rolling.

Dave, 48, from Colchester, now has audiences all shook up as an Elvis Presley impersonator and has entered into a competition to find the best.

He said: “I remember going to Vegas on holiday and there was a show called Legends in Concert.

“They had the best of the best and I saw the reaction of the crowd when the Elvis came out.

“I thought ‘This is what I want to do’.”

He bought a cheap costume and one of his first performances was at a friend’s 50th birthday party.

He said: “I couldn’t believe everyone’s reaction, once you put the suit on and the music is going, you have already captured the audience before you have started singing.

“Out of an accident I got an act.

“When I realised I wanted to take it seriously, I knew I didn’t want to look like I’d just stepped out of a fancy dress shop.

“You have to give the illusion you could be Elvis. I bought a custom fitted suit from America for £1,500 and a wig made from real hair.”

By day, Dave works as a controller for Arriva buses in London, but at night he sports a classic white jumpsuit with gold studs and rhinestones.

He said: “I once showed my general manager and he loved it, everyone was intrigued.

“Someone asked me to perform near Finsbury Park as well.

“I’m new to this, I know I’m not the greatest singer in the world but I can do his voice and the persona.”

He has now been entered into the Kings Crown Award competition which will take place in Ipswich in October.

He will be up against nine professionals and although the pressure is on, Dave says just being asked to enter was a great achievement.

Dave said: “I’m an underdog in this but I have come a long way in eight months. It can take some people years to do this.

“I have always had a natural gift for going on stage, I think you are born with a stage presence.”

To find out more about Dave search for David Black Elvis Tribute on Facebook. To find out more about the competition and to buy tickets, call 01473 209988.