ARTISTS and enthusiasts gathered in their thousands for a tattoo convention held in the region at the weekend.

The Big North Tattoo Show made its Newcastle premier at the Metro Radio Arena and proved an instant hit, with queues forming at the doors before it opened and a steady flow of people on Saturday and Sunday.

Hosted by Total Tattoo Magazine and Tattoo.TV, the two-day event was the biggest of its kind ever seen in the North East with 300 of the world’s leading tattooists brought together under one roof.

Countless ink addicts and first-timers went under the needle for all manner of designs from gothic masterpieces to cute cartoons.

While some opted for tiny discreet tats, others went for bold body art such as full sleeves and colourful back, leg and even face pieces.

Pitched as a unique day out for all the family and people from all walks of life, it featured music, magic, fire, comedy and supernatural entertainment.

Many visitors went out of curiosity and to watch artist create masterpieces on skin canvases while others went to window shop and do research before taking the plunge themselves.

Sarah Nicholson, of Darlington, wants to get a tattoo to mark turning 40.

She said: “The Arena was crammed full of some of the best tattoo artists in the world.

“In every inch of available space people were seen in all sorts of positions, some would be there for five or six hours.

“It was an amazing sight, the quality of these artists is amazing and as someone who is looking for their first tattoo it was a great place to find the inspiration and right artist.”