Car crooner Albert is top of the motoring festival pops!

BARMAN Albert Clarke has proved he is also a hit behind the microphone after being crowned Car-aoke King at the recent Stratford Festival of Motoring.

The 22-year-old, who works at Carluccio’s on Waterside, impressed judges with his rendition of Italian-inspired tune That's Amore during the two-day event over the recent Bank Holiday weekend.

More than 45,000 people attended the Stratforward BID-organised event, with many taking time out from looking around the 300-plus cars on show to take part in Stratford’s own version of the popular TV show Carpool Karaoke.

And Albert’s version of the 1953 Dean Martin classic was said to have been the clear winner with the panel of judges from Stratforward, event sponsor Listers and their chosen charity the Shakespeare Hospice, winning him the use of a Listers car for a weekend.

Toni Dunk, group marketing manager at Listers, said: “It was great to see so many people take part in the car-aoke competition and we had some great renditions of That’s Amore, including from Mayor, Cllr Victoria Alcock and our own team.

“But Albert’s performance knocked our socks off and we’re delighted to announce him the winner. We hope he has a great weekend using one of our cars.”

Albert said: “This was my perfect competition. I love cars, I love to sing and I work in an Italian environment. I’m just thrilled I won.

Stratforward BID director, Joe Baconnet, added: “The car-aoke competition was a fun way of getting people involved in what was a great event for the town and its businesses.

“A big thanks to all the businesses who embraced the festival and helping make it such a vibrant event, and a huge thank you to Listers for supporting the Festival of Motoring again in 2018.”