An Elvis superfan who was a well-known character in his hometown has been remembered fondly by hundreds following his death.

Hughie Donaldson died peacefully at his Dover home on Monday aged 84, leaving his wide network of friends and family devastated.

A former miner at the Betteshanger Colliery, Hughie also had a stint at the Eurotunnel worker’s village in Farthingloe before enjoying a lengthy retirement.

His niece Carol Bailey told KentOnline: “It just doesn't really seem real, especially this close to Christmas. We were all due to go to my son's house and he was really looking forward to it.

“He was a real family man, and he could talk for England.

“He loved being around the family, playing all the silly games with the kids and the adults – he was great with us all.

“I always remember him when I was little saying that he'd buy me a doll's house – I'm still waiting.

“He would phone me three times in a week, tell me about Emmerdale, EastEnders, Coronation Street and Dover Community Radio.

“We’ll all miss him so much.”

Born in Belfast as the middle of five children, Hughie was moved over to Kent in the late 1940s as an adolescent due to his dad’s role in the army.

Known as a hard worker, he was involved in the miners’ strike of 1984-85 and remained at the Colliery until it closed in 1989.

In his later years, he became best known for frequenting the town centre where he knew “someone on every corner” as well as his trips to the pub.

Every weekday, Hughie would get a taxi to take him to The Duchess in Bench Street for a couple of hours where he would enjoy a few pints of Guinness.

Having been a fan of the King of Rock and Roll for most of his life, Hughie, of Bridge Street, even developed an impersonation of the late singer which would become much-loved by his many friends.

Despite having chosen not to marry or have kids, Hughie was still close with his wider family who he enjoyed many social occasions with.

News of Hughie’s death prompted hundreds of online tributes, with all fondly remembering Hughie for his charming sense of humour and down-to-earth personality.

Annette Page, the landlord of Hughie’s favourite pub The Duchess, told KentOnline: “He's been drinking in this pub since the 70s and I've known him for over 13 years now.

“Everyone is actually devastated, he’ll be missed by a lot of people in Dover.

“Hughie sat in the same seat every day, the boss even put him up a coat hook so he could hang it up next to him, we’ll be putting a little memory plaque there.”

Hughie is survived by sister Isobel, nieces Carol and Christine as well as six great-nieces and nephews and their children.

Funeral details are yet to be arranged.