A FATHER has paid tribute to those who died during the First World War with a full arm-length commemorative tattoo.

Elliott Morris, from Padiham, spent 46 gruelling hours under the needle to complete his right-arm masterpiece in time for the First World War Armistice centenary on Sunday.

Several of the father-of-five’s family members, both past and present, have served in the army.

His grandmother’s cousin, Jonathon Floyd, lied about his age and joined the fighting during the First World War when he was just 14, and sadly never returned.

The £1,500 tattoo includes army personnel, poppies, a soldier hugging his son before going off to fight, a map of Europe and tributes to soldiers who fought in later wars, including paratroopers and helicopters.

The 35-year-old, who runs Pitter Patter dog walking service, said he was not able to get into the army and wanted to pay tribute to his family and others who fought.

He said: “It hurt, I’m not going to lie it hurt a lot, but it was nothing compared to the pain and suffering soldiers had to go through on the battlefield.

“I came up with the design, I don’t know anyone else who has a design like this.”

Mr Morris’s tattoo was drawn by Paul Leyland at Addictive Ink Tattoo Studio in Padiham. “He was incredible and I love it,” said Mr Morris.

Mr Morris’s brother, Bradley Morris, was a chef with the army and his wife’s brother, Aaron Jeffrey, was a sergeant in the Irish Guards and another brother Ashleigh Jeffrey served as a soldier.

Martin Kilburn, Mr Morris’s brother-in-law, also served as a chef in the army.

Mr Morris said: “I’ve had lots of great feedback from my friends about this.

“I just wanted to do something different, I will always have this on me and it’s a reminder of the sacrifice so many men gave for our freedom.

“I’ve also donated to the Royal British Legion like I always do.

Samantha Morris, Elliott’s wife, said: “I love it and I think it looks great.

“The quality of the drawings are really good, each part of the tattoo looks really clear.”