WHEN amateur artist Brian Palfrey sent his Elvis Presley drawings as a present to screen goddess Elizabeth Taylor he never imagined he would get a response.

But the movie star, twice married to Welsh actor Richard Burton, liked the pictures so much she sent a personal note and signed picture to Mr Palfrey, who lives in Greenmeadow, Cwmbran.

Mr Palfrey was shocked to have a reply from Taylor, but even more shocked this week to find out the two could fetch more than £1,000 at auction.

"I have been a big fan of Liz Taylor for years," said Mr Palfrey, 54. "I think she is a beautiful woman and she has done a lot of good films. I did 21 pencil drawings of Elvis Presley and one day just decided to send them to her.

"I wasn't doing anything with them and I knew she was a huge Elvis fan, so I sent them to her home in California."

A few months later Mr Palfrey had a letter back from Ms Taylor. A signed picture was enclosed with a note that said: "Thank you for the lovely Elvis drawings."

Mr Palfrey said: "I was blown away," said Mr Palfrey. "When my wife Linda said I had a letter from Liz Taylor I didn't believe her. I was very surprised. It was such a nice gift."

The photo and note have taken pride of place on Mr Palfrey's living room wall ever since.

And this week he found out how much the items are worth. Television auction expert James Breese said that together the two "lucky gifts" could be worth more than £1000.

"This is a nice story as legends such as Liz Taylor must have loads of such requests," he said.

But he added that it is best to be cautious as some stars ask their PA to sign on their behalf.

"A vintage signed photo from early in her career is worth more than a modern picture," continued Mr Breese.

Mr Palfrey said: "I'm glad I did something worthwhile with those Elvis pictures."