COLLEAGUES of company director Dave Dawson did a double-take when he walked into work on Monday.

The hard-working businessman, pictured, had shed his suit and tie, and looked so much like his hero Roy Orbison that workers at First Group Ltd, in Hough Lane, Leyland, had to take a second look.

Mr Dawson, who becomes singer Roy Orbison to perform with local band Oh Boy, is so committed to imitating his idol, he has taught himself to even sound the same - by singing along with Roy's hits.

Tarleton-based Dave's interest in Roy Orbison - who died in 1988 - began 35 years ago, when the businessman was an impressionable youngster.

He said: "I heard a voice unique, in my experience, with a purity and range that left me speechless."

The song he had heard was 'It's Over' and in the years that followed Dave bought almost all Roy's records and joined the star's international fan club.

He added: "Through that I was able to meet with Roy on several occasions. He was a complete gentleman."

Dave began singing Roy Orbison songs while working as a dj in Southport. He would join bands on stage for a couple of numbers.

Then a chance meeting with Leyland-based Oh Boy led to a combining of talents to form a new seven-piece group called Texan Star - The Sounds of Orbison.

The band will be performing with Dave at Leyland Civic Centre on Saturday, May 15. Tickets cost £10 and include supper.

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