If you conjured up a picture of the chief executive of Kent County Council you’d probably envisage a grey suit and grey tie. But Peter Gilroy actually has some unusual talents up his shirt sleeves. The part-time Elvis Presley impersonator has just released a CD of his favourite songs for a children’s charity. Reporter EMILY HALL spoke to him

WHEN he is not running Kent County Council’s £1.5bn budget, boss Peter Gilroy likes nothing better than to launch into a few bars of Hound Dog or Jailhouse Rock.

The authority’s chief executive, is half-American, so has got the nationality tied up, and also has a penchant for burgers and peanut butter, although in lesser amounts than the King.

Mr Gilroy has just released a CD, called Shades of Time, of some of his favourite songs, to help KCC’s own charity, the Kent Children’s Trust, which helps disadvantaged children up to the age of 21.

It features Mr Gilroy singing numbers by Elvis and Eric Clapton, a song written and performed by his son Stephen and also Tanya Oliver, KCC’s head of strategic development, trying out some Dido and Norah Jones.

Mr Gilroy became famed for his Elvis impersonations after taking part in a KCC review, something staff do every year, which allows them to showcase their singing, dancing or comedy talents.

Since then he has often been persuaded into performing at functions and events because his colleagues cannot get enough of his crooning.

As for his music taste, he admits to liking everything and almost anything.

Included in his much-treasured record collection are albums by Dido, Joan Armatrading, Frank Sinatra and some Beethoven, albeit wedged in among rhythm and blues, contemporary jazz and country and western.

However, the music fan is the first to admit it is unlikely for such modernities as thrash metal or drum ’n’ bass to ever grace his collection.

He said: “I’d like to think I’m eclectic, but not over the top. Whenever people think of local government they think it’s just people walking around in grey suits doing grey jobs but it’s just not like that.

“People can laugh at me if they want but if this CD will make people smile then it’s worth it.”

The CD costs £6 and is available from www.kent.gov.uk or by calling 01622 694279.Always on my mindWay downSuspicious minds