CHEEKY Jack Gargrave is selling tattoo space on his bottom in a charity auction.

The father-of-two is raising money for St Helena Hospice by allowing the highest bidder to complete the sentence ‘I love...’ and having the result permanently branded on one of his cheeks.

Mr Gargrave, 23, of Ipswich Road, Colchester, has given people until June 1 to submit their bids and suggestions. He said: “The charity is very close to my heart as people close to me have been there.

“It is a tremendous charity helping people at the most difficult times.

“The suggestions have been kind so far, but I’m sure there will be a few to look out for.

“It is a cheeky bit of fun and a good way to gather interest.”

Mr Gargrave will also be having “I love...” tattooed on his second cheek, but this will be completed by drawing a winning word at random from every suggestion made.

This will give bidders the chance to complete the sentence, no matter how high their bid is.

His two-year-old son, Rudi, has already made his own suggestion completing the sentence with the word fire, in tribute to his TV hero Fireman Sam.

The idea was thought up by his girlfriend, Gemma Bufton, 23, as they discussed ideas to raise money for the cause.

Mr Gargrave, who works in insurance and is also a music producer, added: “I already have five tattoos, but nothing like this.”

Donations, and suggestions, can be made online or at the Greyhound pub, Wivenhoe.

He is now looking for a Colchester tattoo parlour to complete the artwork.

Catherine Venables, community and events fundraiser from St Helena Hospice, said: “So many members of our community do such amazing things to support St Helena Hospice, but we’re pretty sure this activity is a first for us.

“It is certainly a different way to raise valuable funds for the organisation.

“We couldn’t do what we do without people like Jack, and we congratulate him for using his initiative for a more unusual type of fundraising activity.”

Bids are being welcomed from individuals, groups or businesses.

St Helena Hospice operates from Myland Hall, High Woods, Colchester.

It offers support to people with life-limiting and terminal illnesses, as well as advice and bereavement counselling for patients’ families.

You can donate to Mr Gargrave’s cause by visiting justgiving.com/jackgargrave