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One of Reading's most loved characters says he is "all shook up" at the response to his 70th birthday.

Reading Elvis, AKA David Allon, celebrated his birthday at Broad Street Mall on Tuesday, March 19.

As a special tribute to the Elvis fanatic, who lives in Tilehurst , managers at the shopping centre played a selection of The King's classics over the sound system.

Mr Allon was greeted by well-wishers wishing him a happy birthday, as well as one lady who gave him a bag full of Elvis albums on CD.

He told getreading he was "overwhelmed" by the response to his big day.

(Image: getreading)

He said: "You could say I'm 'all shook up'.

"I'm overwhelmed really, I'm so happy to see all the people here and talk to them about Elvis.

"I'm amazed so many people know about my birthday, apparently they know about me in Graceland."

Mr Allon has been listening to Elvis Presley's music for more than 50 years, and says his favourite song is (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear.

A fundraising campaign has also been started to buy Mr Allon, who is retired, a new red digital radio to listen to his hero and some new clothes.

The original target was £200, but at the time of writing a whopping £1,497 has been raised.

He added: "It's amazing this has been done for me and I'd like to say thanks to everyone who has come to see me and to the mall for playing this amazing music on my birthday."

getreading caught up with Mr Allon to find out more about his life and love for Elvis in 2017.

He also turned on the Christmas lights at the shopping centre in Reading , Berkshire, later that year.

There was also a failed campaign in 2011 to have Mr Allon as an Olympic torchbearer representing the town in the 2012 games.