A Weston-super-Mare business owner has taken the unusual step of picking out her own coffin for her funeral – and has plumped for one themed after the king of rock ‘n’ roll himself.

If you have walked up the Boulevard in Weston lately you may have noticed a new addition to the Howard Goodman Funeral Home window.

The display features an Elvis Presley-themed coffin – and Elvis enthusiast Tracey Challenor-Howard has marked the 40th anniversary of his death by buying one for her own send off.

The 54-year-old business owner spent more than £700 on the coffin which she told the Mercury she chose for its ‘simplicity’.

She added: “I have not yet made any concrete plans for any other part of my funeral except for some of Elvis’ gospel songs to be played.”

Tracey ordered the coffin to coincide with the anniversary of the death of the late and great rock ‘n’ roll star, who died on August 16, 1977.

She said: “I have always been an Elvis fan as long as I can remember, as were my parents, but my focus has ebbed and flowed over the past 40 years since Elvis’ death, as life wove its tapestry.

“However, in January, I was fortunate enough to finally fulfil a promise I made to my 14-year-old self when he died, to one day visit Graceland.

“The visit renewed my appreciation for his talent, his generosity, achievements and, of course, that beautiful face.

“People may like to dwell on the negative about him, but no one is perfect and he or his legacy is still employing people and giving us the pleasure of his talent, and I doubt we shall see it again.”

The coffin has been on display for a number of weeks now and has prompted a number of comments from passers-by.

Elvis Presley, who was more commonly known as just Elvis or the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, died of a heart attack but to this day is still regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century.

He had an illustrious career releasing hits such as Heartbreak Hotel, I Want You, Don’t Be Cruel, Hound Dog and Jailhouse Rock.