Lookalikes slip on their blue suede shoes and head to Elvis convention

Lookalikes of all ages – including pint-sized versions – slipped on their blue suede shoes and slicked back their jet-black quiffs to take to the stage at Europe's largest Elvis convention.

The three-day event saw impersonators take part in a range of competitions as Birmingham's Hilton became the Heartbreak Hotel in the week the King would have turned 80.

While the grown-ups battled it out, children as young as eight also took to the stage in the under-14 category.

German entertainer Steven Pitman, originally from America, was crowned European Elvis Champion. The 49-year-old, who performs more than 100 shows every year, beat off competition from 80 rivals.

There was almost local success as father-of-two Mark Summers, from Halesowen, just missed out on the crown, finishing in third place for the second year running.

Mr Summers performed In The Ghetto, Hound Dog and Rip It Up on Friday in a bid to impress judges.

He said: "I've been performing as Elvis for 10 years now across the globe, so it's a special time for me to come back and get up on stage. The best thing about these events though, is getting the chance to meet the fans.

"They are the nicest bunch of people – it's what keeps us all going."

It may have been great fun for the dozens of Elvis' crammed into the Hilton, but it was serious stuff for the judges.

Finalists had to perform two Elvis songs of their choice with a live band and were judged on their appearance and stage presence as well as their voice.

Competition producer Michael King said: "It is just a bit of fun to give the youngsters a go. It is not a contest, but the children really enjoy it.

"Some are very young. John Paul Melling is eight and he has been to the previous three events, so was five when he started. Elias Boswell is 12 and he has come for several years with his parents.

"It is great to see.

Birmingham turned into a little Las Vegas for three days."