THE Year of the Sheep was celebrated in style in Basingstoke’s Top of The Town on Thursday night.

And in traditional Chinese style a special meal was offered to diners at Tang Chinese Restaurant It was a lively evening at the London Street restaurant, especially when the ‘King’ was in the building.

Belting out hits like All Shook Up, Burning Love and Can't Help Falling In Love, entertainer Gary Roman proved to be an excellent Elvis Presley impersonator and had plenty of women swooning over him.

Restaurant manager Wing Chan wished everybody a very happy new year and said: “People born in the Year of the Sheep are going to be successful this year.”

The Year of the Sheep follows on from the Year of the Horse, in the 12 year lunar calendar.

“All over the world the Chinese community celebrate the Lunar New Year and we did that here in Basingstoke,” said Wing.

“We had a great evening with many of our regular customers who thoroughly enjoyed themselves.”

Wing, who opened the business with head chef Peter Houng in August, is upbeat about what the Year of the Sheep holds for local businesses.

Commenting on the first six months of trading at Tang, he said: “Business has been good, but we expect it to be even better this year.”

Among the guests at the evening celebration was the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Roger Gardiner with his Mayoress wife Tricia.

Cllr Gardiner said: “Wing and his team produced a fantastic evening to welcome in the Chinese New Year.

“Tang is a great place to eat and by far among the best restaurants in the area.

“My best wishes for the new year goes to all in Basingstoke and Deane's Chinese community – Kung Hei Fat Choy!”