PASSERS-BY will have suspicious minds when they spot Elvis playing his guitar outside a store in Halliwell.

But if they look closely, they will see it is just a model of The King, placed outside of Cash In A Flash by shop owner Mike Naughton to pay tribute to the music legend today - on the 40th anniversary of his death.

As well as the model, Mr Naughton will be playing Elvis songs from his shop and is happy to let fans take selfies.

Mr Naughton, of Chorley Old Road, has been a fan of Elvis since his friend introduced his music to him when he was 16.

The 55-year-old said: "I just thought this would be a good opportunity, for when people walk past the shop, to get the model outside.

"So I saved it for when the anniversary came around because it is a big event.

"We decided to get balloons and we have just put it outside. Hopefully we are going to be playing a lot of music so people can come along and take some pictures.

"In my heart of hearts, I am doing this because I really, really like Elvis Presley. I am not quite a fanatic but I like him and he was so generous to many people and charities."

It was this generous spirit that more than anything appealed to Mr Naughton.

But the owner of the Halliwell Road store is, of course, a massive fan of the music, naming Suspicious Minds and Jailhouse Rock as two of his favourite songs from The King, despite believing them to be 'cheesy' choices.

He also bragged about the fact his father is 82 this year, the same age Elvis would have been.

And he said he has family members who have even travelled to Memphis to see Elvis's grave.

Mr Naughton said he felt it was important for Elvis to be remembered for not only his music and iconic performances, but also for the kind-hearted man he was.

He said: "I remember watching a TV programme and a beautiful woman came on and he gave her a car, worth about £250,000, and told her to keep it for a rainy day.

"I just want him to be remembered for his work but not just his music.

"What I keep saying to people is that it was his giving that got me. That is probably more than anything what impresses me."

Elvis Presley died on August, 16 1977 affter suffering a heart attack in a bathroom at his home in Memphis, Tennessee.

Where were you when Elvis died? Send in your memories to newsdesk@nqnw.co.uk

FIVE MORE ELVIS IN BOLTON SONGS

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2: The Wanderer of You

3: You’re the Daubhill in Disguise

4: Love Me Tonge Moor

5: Viva Westhoughton