KIND-HEARTED tattoo artists raised thousands of pounds for two Colchester-based organisations.

The six talented artists at Black Hope Tattoo generously gave up their time and expertise to complete 100 pre-drawn tattoos to raise vital funds on a special charity day last month.

The team at the city centre tattoo studio, in Trinity Street, Colchester, raised almost £4,000 for MS-UK and the Anti Loo Roll Brigade.

It was a busy day which saw more than 50 people queueing outside the shop by 8am – an hour before it opened.

Gazette: Tattoo artists - Ellie Danby, Katie Calderbank, Red Wright, Pinky Darling, Alan Aldred, Kim Boulton, and Reece BoultonTattoo artists - Ellie Danby, Katie Calderbank, Red Wright, Pinky Darling, Alan Aldred, Kim Boulton, and Reece Boulton (Image: Black Hope Tattoo)

Grateful senior community fundraiser Lucy King was delighted to collect a cheque for £2,935 on behalf of MS-UK, which will help to improve the understanding of multiple sclerosis and provide support to those affected by the condition.

“We really are so grateful for what Black Hope has done,” she said.

“This is an incredible amount for a charity of our size, and approximately enough to fund our national helpline for a week.”

The team, which consists of owners Pinky Darling and Red Wright, alongside their colleagues Alan Aldred, Katie Calderbank, Reece Boulton, and Ellie Danby, set a record for the number of tattoos completed during its annual charity day.