ARE you admired for your hearty, last orders rendition of Return To Sender? Do you know someone who insists they are as lithe as a young Presley once a few pints have been downed?

Then the Elvis Academy needs you.

The race is on to find the best Elvis impersonator around, with a grand final planned for the Tap & Spile in Monkgate, York.

Six semi-professional competitors have already been signed up - including York's own Elvis, Eddie Vee.

Now the hunt is on to find the other six. If you can curl that lip, wiggle those hips, and sing at the same time - easy after a few beers - come Way On Down for an audition.

Auditions will be held on Wednesday April 28 at 7pm, at the Tap & Spile "Graceland".

Applications forms are available from the Tap & Spile, the Ackhorne in St Martin's Lane or the Radio York reception, Bootham Row.

Tap & Spile Landlord Jack Merry is delighted to be hosting the Elvis charity extravaganza over the Whitsun holiday weekend at the end of next month.

The main event, on Sunday May 30, will be the Elvis Academy itself. After the 12 Presley impersonators have strutted their stuff, the audience will pick a winner.

But all contestants will have another chance for glory through BBC Radio York's website www.bbc.co.uk/northyorkshire.

Performances will be recorded on the day and published online. In true "academy" style, members of the public will vote one Elvis impersonator off weekly until a winner is revealed.

Their talents will also be showcased by Radio York in advance of the competition, and in a special fly-on-the-wall documentary afterwards.

The event is in aid of Radio York's adopted charity, Caroline's Rainbow Foundation, and Cancer Research UK. Tickets for each day are £3 per adult (children free).

Other events on the Sunday will include a children's Elvis fancy dress competition, an Elvis quiz and Elvis films in the Jungle room.

Jack will also be creating a special menu for the weekend including Hound Dog Hot Dogs and Banana Peanut Butter Fritters using His Latest Flame barbecue.

He also hopes to get a specially brewed beer in honour of the rock'n'roll star.

Unfortunately Jack recently binned his own Elvis costume after spilling ale on it. It was a white boiler suit bearing the king's name.

But he promises to make a new one, and for added authenticity aims to create "Elvis sideburns from the hair off my back".

Talk about suffering for your art...

Updated: 08:30 Saturday, April 10, 2004