Elvis Presley was famous for having a Blue Christmas but residents at a Bethnal Green care home were delighted when The King paid a visit last Friday.

The Silk Court home in Ivimey Street welcomed Elvis impersonator Gary Redpath to launch their Christmas activity programme and sing some of Presley’s rock-and-roll classics.

Elvis fan and resident Beatrice Berry, 81, said the performance took her back to the Swinging Sixties.

She said: “Hearing the songs now reminds me of when I was younger, doing the rock ‘n’ roll dances.

“Holding such events as the Elvis performance is fun.

“There’s always lots of interesting activities organised here, especially the baking sessions and the quizzes.”

Friend Andrew Corr, 82, who has lived at Silk Court for nine years, said: “My favourite Elvis hit is Blue Christmas, especially at this time of year because it reminds me of the fun times I had during Christmases past.

“I liked his songs because they are good tunes to listen to.

“I bought so many of his records when I was younger.”

Silk Court manager Marcia Forsythe explained that residents chose to have the modern-day King visit them because the original singer had such a huge impact on their lives.

She said: “We organise a lot of different activities here as it’s important for the residents’ mental and physical well-being as well as it being fun.”