BARACK Obama has celebrated his 57th birthday surrounded by family and friends, with wife Michelle leading the tributes to the former US president.

For the first time, Mr Obama's birthday is being celebrated as a commemorative holiday in his former home state of Illinois.

Last year, the Illinois legislature passed a bill declaring August 4 be known as Barack Obama Day, to celebrate "the 44th President of the United States of America who began his career serving the People of Illinois in both the Illinois State Senate and the United States Senate, and dedicated his life to protecting the rights of Americans and building bridges across communities." This is the first year the law has been in effect.

With #ObamaDay trending on Twitter, celebrities took to social media to wish the former US president a happy birthday, with many bemoaning his abscence fom the White House.

Comedian Ellen DeGeneres tweeted: "You busy? We could use some help."

Former vice-president Joe Biden posted a selfie of the two friends after their recent reunion at Dog Tag Bakery in Washington DC's Georgetown neighbourhood.,

In an interview with CNN on Studay, Biden revealed that Mr Obama offered financial assistance when Mr Biden was faced with selling l his house to support son Beau, who died of brain cancer in May.

Mr Biden told the story after CNN asked what his most memorable moment with Obama was during their seven years in office together.

Mr Biden said he ultimately did not have to sell his home and suggested he had not accepted money from Mr Obama.

The White House press secretary, Josh Earnest, said the incident was representative of the pair's friendship.