A Sittingbourne-based tattoo artist’s piece depicting the notorious Kray Twins was runner-up in a national competition.

Alex Crook’s passion for ink evolved from his love of pencil drawing, which he has been doing from the age of five.

In 2011, by chance he was encouraged to have a go with a tattoo machine – and he has never looked back.

He spent hours practising, either on grapefruits – the closest thing he could find to human skin – or willing volunteers.

Previously a driving instructor, he picked up experience by working for two studios in Kent before setting up his own tattoo business in 2013.

And at the end of last month, Alex’s entry into the Best of British category at the Great British Tattoo Show at Alexandra Palace was picked as runner-up.

His Kray Twins design was applied at the show to Alfie Puxley, from Maidstone, who responded to an appeal on social media for a volunteer to have the tattoo, having already had gangsters put on his other arm.

“I’m grateful that my work has been appreciated,” said Alex, who is 32.

“There are always talented artists coming into the industry every day that you have to try and stay one step ahead of.”

His studio is based in Chegworth Gardens, Sittingbourne, in the garden of the home of his business partner David Sawyer.

Now in his fifth year of tattooing, requests have included children’s handprints on their parent’s shoulder, wedding-themed sleeves (tattoos running down an arm) featuring the wedding car, and memorials of deceased pets.

For more on Alex’s work, visit www.alexcrookstudio.com or email alexcrooktattooist@yahoo.co.uk