THE SPIRIT of the King of Rock n Roll was well and truly alive in Darlington yesterday (Tuesday, August 18).

Hordes of rock n rollers took over charity headquarters for the day as they paid a lively homage to Elvis Presley.

To mark the anniversary of Elvis’ death, the team at Age UK Darlington donned 1950s dress and held a huge celebration party.

An afternoon of entertainment saw rock n roll fans take to the floor to showcase their swing-dancing, pelvis-thrusting skills while being serenaded by Elvis-themed karaoke stars and ukulele players.

The charity’s first Elvis party was inspired by one of their volunteers, Darlington man Dave Hooper – also known as the North-East’s biggest fan.

Mr Hooper has been a fan of Elvis since the age of 12 and says his life has been soundtracked by the icon’s hits.

As reported by The Northern Echo, Mr Hooper has taken a day off work every year since his hero’s demise to mourn his loss and listen to his hits.

He holds the yearly celebration despite harbouring doubts over Elvis’ death, believing the legendary performer may actually be in witness protection after becoming involved with President Nixon.

This year, Age UK Darlington’s chief executive Gillian Peel, encouraged Mr Hooper to hold his annual tribute event at the charity’s headquarters.

Mr Hooper, sporting an Elvis t-shirt, couldn’t believe his eyes when he arrived for the party and realised it was a full house.

He said: “I’m glad we did this, it’s been absolutely great – everybody’s had a good time dancing and singing.

“Elvis would have been over the moon, in fact he rang me earlier to ask me what was going on here.

“I didn’t think so many people would come but I’m glad they did.

“I’ll be coming back here until I get to meet Elvis myself and I’ll make sure it gets better every year.”

He added: “Everybody’s calling me Elvis now, whenever I go out of my front door a neighbour tells me I’m famous.

“My life is no longer private.”

Ms Peel said she had been overwhelmed by the number of people who put on their blue suede shoes for the day.

She said: “It’s been amazing, the energy all through the day has been absolutely brilliant.”

For more information on events at Age UK Darlington’s Bradbury House, visit ageuk.org.uk/darlington.