A FORMER JCB worker has swapped spraying diggers for body art after opening a tattoo studio.

After being made redundant from the digger giant a year ago, Kev Hanks retrained as a tattooist and opened the doors to Incredible Ink Tattoos in Milton last week.

The 23-year-old was introduced to the industry by brother Stefan Hanks, who has run Burslem-based New Image Tattoo Studio for six years.

"I've always gone along to my brother's studio to see how he does things," said the former Endon High School pupil.

"When I left school I went to college to study car spraying as that's where my interest was.

"I always liked art and drawing at school and so wanted to keep doing something like that.

"I worked at JCB in Uttoxeter, spraying the diggers, before being made redundant a year ago.

"In that time I watched and learned from my brother. You can't go to college to do a course in tattooing, it's really a self-taught thing."

And Kev found he had plenty of volunteers willing to let him practice his skills.

"People just offered to let me give them a tattoo when I was still learning.

"They all came out fine which was good. I also practised on myself and have done quite a few tattoos on my legs."

Helped by a loan from the Prince's Trust, Kev set up in his home village after being impressed by the location in Millrise Road.

He said: "It's ideal really as it's next to the traffic lights in Leek Road, and the sign is really eye-catching.

"I opened on Saturday and have had quite a few people coming in. It's been really good."

Kev admits the number of celebrities showing off tattoos has really helped the industry.

He said: "There is a large number of celebrities all with tattoos now, and there's the amount of footballers who have them too.

"With the World Cup coming up we are expecting to do a lot of England-related tattoos.

"When football teams do well more people get them. When Stoke got promoted lots of people wanted the badge."

Some of Kev's work can be spotted on display in the football league, with Burton Albion's Potteries-born defender Ryan Austin showing off a full arm's worth of tattoos from the Milton designer.

While Kev, who has tattoos on his arms, back, legs and chest, admits getting inked can be painful, he is ready to really test his threshold.

"I'm hoping to make my professional boxing debut next month," he said. "I've always been into boxing and train at Impact Boxing in Fenton.

"I will be in the lightweight category. This year could prove to be a really good one."

One of Kev's customers, Michael Vaughan, aged 30, from Blythe Bridge, admits he is delighted to see him open a studio.

"Kev did both my arm sleeves where I had a Japanese theme with samurais and geisha girls," said the boxing trainer.

"I'm chuffed for him, he's a really good tattoo artist.

"I may get some more work done, and I will be going to him."

Milton's business community has also welcomed Kev's arrival.

Steve Wright, owner of Motif Marketing in Millrise Road, said: "I wish him all the best.

"We do try and support fellow businesses in the village and I really hope he makes a success of it."