A TATTOO artist who lost a friend who was serving in Afghanistan has raised more than £800 for the Royal British Legion by giving poppy tattoos.

Chris Moss, owner of K2 Body Art in Richmond, said he came up with the idea after a friend and regular customer was killed by an improvised exploding device while on a tour of Afghanistan.

Mr Moss said: “The idea for the poppy tattoos came from wanting to raise money for Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion.

“I’ve done countless poppy tattoos in my time, due to living so close to Catterick Garrison, but last year at poppy appeal time we charged £25 for a poppy tattoo with proceeds going to the charities.

“Our team here came up with a couple of designs – but the most popular one has always been the soldier, head bowed, with his rifle at a graveside.

“It’s a powerful image that transcends religion and politics.”

This year Mr Moss hopes to raise even more cash by involving tattoo artists from across the country and hope to raise more than £50,000 – beating an amount recently donated to the Royal British Legion by Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.

He added: “If we can inspire tattoo artists across the country to get involved to raise cash for this poppy appeal I’m sure we can raise a lot of money.

Craig Miller from Richmond, who had one of Mr Moss’ poppy tattoos, said he was proud to show his support.

“I’ve got a soldier with his head bowed at a graveside on my leg, next to a memorial tattoo for my father so it is fast becoming a memorial leg,” he joked.

“I have served in the military although not at Catterick, but I was keen to get one and I want another this year.”

For information call K2 Body Art on 07733-356695 or visit K2 Body Art on Facebook.