An Oxfordshire couple put the success of their 50-year marriage down to the music of Elvis.

Jean and Jack Knight, of Sandford Lane, Kennington, who are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary, said their love of the King had kept them going strong over the years.

The couple, who have four sons, have travelled to Elvis's home Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, five times and were among the thousands that gathered there ten years ago to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his death.

The have also visited Hawaii three times and even stayed at the hotel where the King filmed Blue Hawaii in 1961.

Mrs Knight, 71, said: "Elvis has played a big part in our lives. His music is so good, he's kept us going really. We're mad Elvis fans."

The couple met at Brett's School of Dance in Oxford in 1954, where they were keen ballroom dancers.

When Elvis broke on to the scene that same year, the couple took to rock 'n' roll dancing and have not stopped to this day.

Mr Knight, 70, said: "I started buying his records in the 1950s. He always had a good voice, such a range of songs over the years from rock 'n' roll, to country and rhythm and blues.

"That's why we stuck by Elvis. We do like other kinds of music, like country and pipe music, but Elvis has been special to us."

Mrs Knight said the King's voice and his music had given Elvis a special place in their heart.

She added: "Some people say they can't stand him, but they don't know what they are missing.

"We always wanted to see him perform, but sadly we never got the chance. We've seen plenty of Elvis impersonators over the years though."

The couple will be celebrating their special occasion with more than 70 family and friends at the Littlemore British Legion today.

Mrs Knight said: "It should be a great night. Our sons Colin, Ian, Simon and Jamie will be there and we will have plenty of rock 'n' roll, Elvis and country and western music. We also plan on having a special dance together to an Elvis song."

Deciding which one of Elvis' songs is their favourite might cause a little tension, though.

Mr Knight's favourite is Can't Help Falling in Love and Mrs Knight's is Loving You.