A KIDDERMINSTER town centre tattoo artist is returning to her hometown to open her own studio.

Samantha Pickett, who has been tattooing for more than a decade, is moving back to St John's in Worcester to open a studio of her own, having worked in Kidderminster for the last eight years.

The new tattoo parlour, which should be up and running by the end of August, would open in a space previously occupied by the Bull Baiters Inn.

The building was left empty following the move of the microbrewery to Alfred Taylor House, also in St John's.

Samantha said: "I am really pleased that the council approved my planning application. It was a huge relief when it finally came through.

"I plan to open towards the end of August but I don't have an exact date as of yet as there is a fair bit of work to do.

"I am having to curb my enthusiasm a bit as I am so keen to have it up and running."

Samantha has spent the last eight years tattooing for True Love Tattoos in Comberton Hill and is excited to be moving back to St John's to show off her skills.

She said: "I started out in Worcester as a body piercer and then after a few years switched to tattooing and haven't looked back since."

"I will be offering a friendly and professional, custom tattoo service.

"I hope to be able to make people from every age bracket feel welcome in my studio, whether its for a small first tattoo or a full body suit.

"Everyone is welcome."

Samantha hopes the new tattoo studio will also provide a space to host other tattoo artists from all over the world.

She said: "I also will be regularly showcasing artwork from local artists, so it will be an interesting place to come and browse.

"I also hope to attract trade to other local retailers as my customers will most likely be browsing other shops before and after their appointments."

The proposed opening hours for the studio would be from 11am to 6pm Tuesday to Saturday and would work on an appointments basis.