The partner of a familiar face around the town has paid tribute to him after he died last week.

Elvis impersonator Peter Cherry, of Ferguson Avenue, Gravesend, passed away on Wednesday, November 28, after suffering a lung infection.

The 72-year-old was often seen in town on his mobility scooter, noticeable by his slicked-back black hair and Elvis outfits, paying tribute to the King of rock and roll.

His partner Christina Mayers, who he met eight years ago at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Milton Road, said she would miss her “happy go lucky” Peter.

She said: “It’s been very hard to handle. It’s the worst thing that could have happened.

“Christmas isn’t going to be the same, it’s going to be very difficult.

“He was so popular in the town. Everyone has been so shocked about the news - he would help anybody and was such a happy go lucky kind of person.

“I met Peter through our friend Anne eight years ago at Milton church and we were together ever since.”

The Chelsea fan was born in Gravesend before moving up to Scotland with his family for a short while before quickly returning to the borough.

He was a porter at Gravesend hospital before he went into the Army.

The father-of-two leaves behind sons James and Gary and his grandson Jack.

He was a massive fan of Elvis Presley, often enjoying his favourite song Heartbreak Hotel.

Mrs Mayers added: “He had white hair before but went down to the hairdresser on the High Street on his birthday and dyed it to look like Elvis.

“It really suited him. I didn’t recognise him at first - I thought it was a different man.

“He didn’t like Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale or any reality TV shows, but he really enjoyed his West End shows.

“We used to go up to London to go and see the London Eye. I’ll really miss that.”

Local photographer Fraser Gray, who pictured the couple together, also paid tribute to Mr Cherry.

He said: “I was very sad to learn from you of the passing of Peter.

“Peter and Christina enjoyed life together going to Elvis tribute shows and listening to Peter’s extensive Presley record collection.

“When I bumped into the couple around town, he would sing to me an Elvis track to both my and Christina’s delight.

“I will greatly miss this gentleman.”