It's official! Hitchin's Elvis is the King of Rock and Rock tribute acts - and on the late American legend's birthday too!

Hitchin's Elvis tribute act JD King beat off a while host of other challengers for title of Europe's best Elvis.

The real King of Rock of Roll was born Elvis Aaron Presley on January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi, sadly passing away at his Graceland mansion on August 16, 1977, at the tragically young age of 42.

By coincidence Hitchin's very own tribute version has been awarded the prestigious honour on what would have been The King's 88th birthday.

A humbled JD King who has previously played concerts around Hitchin including St Mary's Church said: "Happy Birthday Elvis!

"Purely by coincidence and given the late time the results were announced, I became European Elvis champion on Elvis' birthday.

"I can't think of a greater honour than that.

"I owe everything I have professionally, and a great deal personally, to the late, great King of Rock 'n' Roll.

"It's on days like this we must all remember and honour him with our hearts and minds full of his song, his warmth, charm, generosity and so much more.

"Happy Birthday Elvis. You're forever missed, but forever alive in our hearts."