Elvis Presley's guitar has sold for £185,000

The legendary rock 'n' roll star - who would have turned 81 today (08.01.16) - gave the 1969 Custom Gibson Ebony Dove to Mike Harris himself at a concert in 1975.

Recalling the day he gave him the guitar, Mike told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "He struck a couple of licks on it, and then he just came to the edge of the stage and held it out by the neck.

"He said, 'This is yours. Hold on to that. Hopefully it'll be valuable one day.'"

The rare piece - which Elvis played on stage for four years between 1971 and 1975 - was auctioned off at the late star's home in Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee.

It was reportedly expected to fetch up to £206,000 but ended up in the hands of a super-fan for just £185,000, over £20,000 under what the seller was expecting for it.

Also included in the sale was an original tape of Elvis performing and some jewellery items.

The 'Suspicious Minds' crooner passed away at the age of 42 on August 16, 1997.