A musical duo from the Burton Mail has faced its biggest audience to date, performing at a fundraising event in memory of a local man killed in a crash.

Deputy editor Andy Parker and deputy news editor Jason Davies, collectively known as the Elvis Gresleys – in honour of the Gresley Rovers mascot, have been collaborating musically for several years.

But until last week the pair, who are both acoustic guitarists and singers, had only performed to a handful of people.

But after a friend of Jason’s died in a road accident, they were asked to take to the stage as part of a fundraising event in his honour at Gresley Old Hall, attended by 400 people.

Jason said: “It went exceptionally well.

“It could have gone either way – it could have been a sombre, muted occassion or a celebration of his life.

“Everyone agreed that if he was looking down on us he would have been proud.

“It was tough to do, but everyone felt that it went well and we raised about £5,500.”

Playing a mixture of traditional folk, Americana and self-penned songs, the duo have also recorded their own ‘album’ – distributed to just a select band of family and friends.

Jason said: “I’ve had several stints at the Mail so we’ve played together on and off.

“Now we are just waiting for that call from Wembley!”

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