ELVIS impersonator Elvis Williamson hopes to wow the crowds at his next gig by taking on the spirit of the King himself -- with the help of Uri Geller.

Elvis, real name Mark Williamson, met the man with mystical powers while they were both performing at a hotel in North Wales.

Mark, of Crompton Way, Bolton, spotted the world famous spoon bender in the audience while he was on stage at the Llyndir Hall Hotel in Wrexham.

After he finished his show, he went into the audience and watched Uri perform.

Uri then invited Mark back on to the stage and harnessed the power of his dead idol to enhance the Bolton singer's performances by placing his hands around him.

Mark said: "When I was making my way to the stage, people were giving me spoons to ask him to bend!

"But when I got up there, I asked him for the power and spirit of Elvis to be found for my concert in August."

And Uri, a big Elvis fan, did just that. After placing his hands around the impersonator, he said that power would be with him on his special night.

Mark, known simply as Elvis by his friends, had considered changing his name by deed poll to Elvis Williamson, but decided against it in the end.

He will play a special concert with his band, the Vegas Cruisers, at Bolton's Albert Halls on August 16, to commemorate 25 years since Elvis' death.

"It felt really electric when he put his hands round me," said Mark, "And I do believe in stuff like that. I was feeling nervous about the gig before that evening, but now I'm really looking forward to it. It's going to be a great night."

Tickets for Mark's big night at the Albert Halls, priced at £12 and £10 can be bought from the box office, on 01204 334400.

For more information about his act log onto his website which can be found at: www.elviswilliamson.com