AN 83-YEAR-OLD woman proved to be the star of the show after getting inked at the North Lakes Tattoo convention.

Bridget Kenny, from Annan, came to see one of the event organisers and tattoo artist Colin Fell to say thank you for doing her first tattoo for her 80th birthday.

While there, she spontaneously decided to get another tattoo in the form of a rose on her arm, this time from artist Brad Edwards.

The annual convention returned for an 11th year at The Shepherd’s Inn at Botcherby, Carlisle, between Friday and Sunday.

The event attracts top tattoo artists from all over the UK, Europe and around the world.

Organiser Mike Haslam, 59, who owns Mikes’ Tattoos on London Road, and runs the three-day event with Colin Fell, said the weekend had been another success.

He told the News & Star: “We had 54 artists from all over the country and beyond who came to take part.

“There were a few local lads who also came along, which brought in a lot more visitors too.

“We’ve also brought in some tattoo artists from the north east, including Newcastle and Sunderland, plus areas in Scotland, and some from London.”

Mike added that a relaxed atmosphere for the artists and visitors makes the show stand out against the rest.

“A lot of other conventions are too commercial, and held in big arenas, and the artists are changed about £300 to set up shop there for the weekend.

“For us, we don’t charge the artists, we do a one-off payment to the council for the licence to hold it.

“The show has become so popular that we have a wait list of about 200 names of people wanting to get take part each year.”

Tattoo artist Richard Shore, 38, originally from Manchester but now living in Belgium, has attended the show every year since it started.

“I met Mike and Colin at another convention many years ago, who asked if I could come up to their show,” he recalled.

“It’s probably the friendliest show I’ve ever been to.

“Each year, it’s like coming back and seeing your family again, you don’t get that at other conventions.”