THE art of tattooing is making its mark in Reading with the opening of a new studio in the town centre.

Tattoo-mad Candice and Steve Clarke hope to open up the profile of body ornamenting with their sleek and modern studio TAT2-U, in Station Hill.

The parlour has a separate operating area for privacy and the couple have put together a computerised directory listing all the designs available.

Mrs Clarke, who looks after the customer side of the business, said qualified tattoo artist and husband Steve - aka Klinky - has always had a passion for skin-engraving.

She said: "The studio breaks free from the traditional tattoo studio because it's a lot airier and lighter.

"We wanted a town centre location because we want to open up the profile of tattooing.

"We felt tattooing deserved that sort of respect.

There's still a view that only convicts and navy men have tattoos, but now you'll find all sorts of people getting one."