A SHARED passion for the King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley has seen a group of local musicians raise more than �78,000 for charity. And the 34-strong group, which includes several people from the Wisbech area, will be performing their next show at Searl

A SHARED passion for the King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley has seen a group of local musicians raise more than �78,000 for charity.

And the 34-strong group, which includes several people from the Wisbech area, will be performing their next show at Searles Leisure Resort, Hunstanton, on Sunday.

They formed in 1996 when Derek Russell surprised his wife Christine on their 25th wedding anniversary party by performing seven Elvis songs with visual effects.

Mrs Russell said: "The next morning the phone didn't stop ringing as family and friends asked Derek to do a concert. He replied, only if money goes to charity so we organised a recreated early 70s Elvis concert, and we are still doing shows to this day."

The group includes musicians, backing singers, sound and lighting technicians, door stewards and raffle organisers.

Money goes to various local charities.

In December they raised more than �1,300 for Meadowgate School and the Wisbech Talking Newspaper.

Sunday's event will raise money for Cambridgeshire Search and Rescue.

Mrs Russell, from Magdalen, said: "This concert is a very serious attempt to recreate an early 70s concert as it would have seen in the States.

"We use Searles Leisure resort in Hunstanton as this is set out in a perfect Vegas style venue."

Sunday's event will feature a raffle with prizes include a Spa overnight break at Knights Hill Hotel, two free rounds of golf at Lakeside Lodge Golf Centre, riding lessons and two eight-year-old bottles of wine.

There will also be a meet and greet session with television and stage actress Julie Buckfield, plus supporting acts.

Doors open at 5pm, the concert starts at 6pm and tickets are available for �9 by calling 01553 810771.