ELVIS tribute singer Garry Foley is celebrating after coming second in a Europe-wide competition to honour the King.

The 45-year-old, who lives in Creekmoor, was the runner-up at Europe’s Tribute to Elvis competition in Blackpool earlier this month.

The select competition, held in partnership with Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc, is judged by some of those from the star’s inner circle, including his former tour manager Charles Stone.

Garry, an impersonator for six years, said: “There are competitions of this kind around the globe, but this is the real deal.

“There really is no bigger competition for Elvis tribute artists than this one.

“The quality of the performers I was up against was incredibly high, so it was a real honour.”

Garry was one of just 18 who made it to the finals of the competition, held at the Hilton Hotel in the seaside resort.

He said: “The performers enact different eras of Elvis.

“I chose to do the 1968 comeback special and the Vegas years.

“You go on stage and do three songs per round. It’s quite intense.”

The company director, a life-long fan of Elvis, said he is completely committed to his performances.

“I think if you’re going to do something, you have to do it properly,” he said.

“I get my outfits from Elvis’s actual costume-maker in America, who is still working.

“The jumpsuit I’m wearing in the photograph is called the nail suit, and it cost £2,000, so it’s an expensive thing to do, but I really think it’s not worth doing anything unless you do it all the way.”

Garry, who won £1,500 in the competition, said he finds it hard to choose a favourite Elvis song.

“There are so many, but if I had to pick one, I’d say Suspicious Minds,” he said.

“My dad was a big Elvis fan, so I grew up with it. I used to nick his records.

“In fact, the first record I ever bought was Don’t Be Cruel. I’ve always loved the music.”

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