A LIFELIKE model of Elvis has sparked a fierce bidding war between collectors.

Fans from across the UK have pitched bids of up to £550 at the Banana Warehouse in Piccadilly, York, in the hopes of owning the "King of Rock'n'Roll."

The fibreglass statue belonged to a devoted Elvis fan from Leeds. When he died much of his memorabilia was buried with him.

Unfortunately the statue had to be left behind, along with a collection of records and pictures, and the man's family were forced to sell them on.

Banana Warehouse owner Dave Dee, who cleared the man's house, said that the statue could go for more than £1,000 and he expects bidding to continue this week.

Mr Dee said: "We bought the statue from his relatives - they weren't Elvis fans - along with everything else in the house. We bought records and pictures, but most of it has already been sold and we have only got a handful of records left.

"The man collected all sorts of memorabilia and the statue was one of his prized possessions.

"It rates as one of the best finds I've had in a long while."

Updated: 10:42 Thursday, September 27, 2001