TEIGNMOUTH'S world-beating Elvis tribute artist is setting out to break his own world record later this month.

In October 2002, Gary Jay, of Second Avenue, established a Guinness World Record for the Longest Elvis Singing Marathon in a concert at Planet Hollywood, London, lasting 25 hours 33 minutes and 30 seconds.

Now Mr Jay is attempting to extend his record by returning to Planet Hollywood to perform a staggering 48-hour concert between January 24 and 26.

With only a break of 15 minutes allowed every four hours and regulations that stipulate that he must not repeat any Elvis material within a two-hour time frame, Mr Jay will have to ensure that there is A Little Less Conversation and a little more Jailhouse Rock.

The event is being staged to raise funds for Make A Wish Foundation, the charity that exists to turn the wishes of children aged three to 18 living with life-threatening illnesses into reality.

The charity is the largest wish-granting organisation in the world. Founded in America, it is now established in 27 countries, and the UK foundation has granted more than 2,500 wishes since it began 18 years ago.

Mr Jay has made numerous television appearances and has travelled extensively throughout the UK and abroad presenting his stage show.

In addition to Mr Jay's attempt on the record, five of Elvis's 'associates' will share their memories of The King at a special evening at Planet Hollywood on January 22.

They are: Donna Presley, Elvis's cousin; John Wilkinson, rhythm guitarist with Elvis's TCB Band from 1969 to 1977; Dick Grob, Elvis' head of security and personal bodyguard for ten years; D J Fontana, Elvis's drummer for the first 15 years of his career, and Julie Mundy, author of the forthcoming book, Elvis Fashion, a behind-the-scenes look at Elvis Presley's collection of costumes and personal items of clothing from the archives at Graceland.

The evening, which will feature a grand charity auction, will be open to the public and a large celebrity audience.

Tickets are priced at £25 each and full details of the event can be found at http://www.elvis-tcb.co.uk">www.elvis-tcb.co.uk or by ringing Elite Star Consultancy on 01626 879918.

Unfortunately, Mr Jay will not be using his rare black Elvis replica guitar in his record attempt. As reported in this newspaper it was stolen before Christmas, and it has not been recovered, although it is rumoured to be in the Teignmouth area.