Grandad and me . . . we're tattoo of a kind

AT THE sharp end . . . tattoo artist Richard and his grandad Geoffrey

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A YOUNG-AT-HEART great-grandad showed age is no barrier when he got his second tattoo . . . at the ink-redible age of 84.

Geoffrey Livesey, from Chadderton, became the first customer at his grandson's newly-opened tattoo studio ­- Avenue Ink ­- on Fir Tree Avenue, Fitton Hill.

Not content with the tiger on his left arm, which was done when his grandson, Richard Griffin (28), was an apprentice four years ago, Geoffrey decided to get a snow leopard drawn on his right arm with a heart bearing the name of his wife Joyce.

Geoffrey, who has five children, 16 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren, was born in Oldham and spent his working life at mills in the area.

He has a mantra of living life the way he wants to and doesn't let anything hold him back, according to Richard.

As well as the leopard and the tiger, Richard said his grandad is considering getting a tattoo sleeve ­- a style where the whole arm is covered. However, it would depend on whether Joyce allows it!

Richard said: "It's brilliant to see a man living his life the way he wants to, he is an inspiration.

"He has got a great mindset, whatever he wants to do he goes and does it, nothing holds him back. He loves the tattoos to bits.

"He might well get a full sleeve if my nan will let him. She did love this tattoo, saying 'he's a soppy sod'."

Speaking about the process of applying the tattoo Richard added: "He is the best person I have seen sit through a tattoo, he just sweeps on through during it.

"It was a dream, he had really good skin, which is unusual for someone of his age. He's looked after himself well."