There will be a little less congregation and a little more action for this former vicar from now on following his decision to quit the church to become an Elvis impersonator.

Reverend Andy Kelso made the shock decision after he received a message from God to spread the word of the King while he was out walking his dogs.

The 64-year-old has now swapped the Church of England for that of Elvis after setting up the Elvis Gospel Tribute Act.

'One day I was out walking the dogs in between church services and I felt God say to me very strongly "take Elvis to the church", revealed Elvis Prayersley.

'It was a shock but after one concert there was a lot of interest from churches who wanted to connect with their communities and my tribute act seems to connect.

'When I play, the venues are packed out and I've not looked back since.'

There was no crying in the chapel following his shock decision to ditch his white collar in favour of a white jumpsuit among his parishioners in Redditch, Worcestershire, as a few of them are now fans of his Elvis tribute.

He added: 'Let's just say God has a sense of humour.

'I spent 25 years doing the one thing I vowed I never would - being a vicar.

'Now people who wouldn't normally come to church are coming to a great evening out with some food for thought.'