A tattoo studio in Mansfield has become the first in the area to be registered with a new county-wide registration scheme ­— and has achieved the top rating of five stars.

Helen Molloy, a tattoo artist for two years, has been running her own business, Trinity Ink, from her home on Eakring Road for the past four months.

She said: “I feel the star rating gives the customer a better opportunity to make an informed decision about where they would like to be tattooed.

“I decided to apply because I thought it was important to set a high standard when it comes to cleanliness, hygiene and safety, due to it being a home studio.

“In the past home studios have been frowned upon but, by setting high standards, I feel that clients can feel reassured when they visit.

“No customer should have health concerns when getting a tattoo.”

Other businesses that use needles and blades are being urged to sign up to the Nottinghamshire Hygiene Accreditation Scheme, which is being co-ordinated by local authorities across the county that are responsible for licensing tattoo, body piercing and beauty treatment businesses.

The voluntary scheme aims to improve hygiene and safety standards and is part of a wider strategy by Mansfield District Council to make the district a safer place to live, work and visit and improve the wellbeing of its citizens.

It supplements the inspections of tattoo studios that are carried out by the council as part of the required licensing process to ensure a minimum standard of hygiene is achieved.

Operating in a similar way to the national food hygiene scheme for restaurants, it costs £120 to join and for the initial inspection, and £60 for a re-inspection and re-rating.

The process of becoming rated took Helen about two weeks from application to being accredited.

“The inspection itself took about an hour and was really informative,” she said.

“Even though I got five stars I learned a lot about other techniques and practices, which I found very helpful.

“I was a bit nervous as this was my first business and I wanted to break the stigma that surrounds home studios.

“I am very pleased to achieve five stars, which demonstrates to the customer that they can be tattooed in a clean and hygienic environment. I was proud to be called clinical when I had the inspection.

“Being a tattoo artist is something I have always wanted to do since I was very young.

“I love art and drawing and this profession offers opportunities for people to express their artistic side. I like that it also gives customers the freedom to express themselves, however they like.”

Businesses interested in the scheme can contact environmental health at Mansfield District Council on 01623 463492 for more information.