A tattoo and piercing studio in Huthwaite has become the first Ashfield business to achieve an excellent five-star hygiene rating.

Eternity Tattoo and Piercing Studio, of Sutton Road, was praised for the high standard of hygiene within the practice.

The business hosts multiple services, from beauty treatments and nail treatments by Michelle Wesson, hair extensions by Amanda Shepherd, to sun bed tanning services, all under one roof.

Nottinghamshire’s Hygiene Accreditation Scheme, introduced across the county last year, aims to improve and maintain hygiene standards within the tattoo and piercing industry.

It aims to minimise the risk of infection and infectious disease arising from treatments associated with the industry.

The scheme was designed by environmental health practitioners from eight local authorities in Nottinghamshire, following consultation with tattoo and cosmetic piercing practitioners in the area.

Sarah Barsby, business owner of Eternity Ltd, and her husband, Carl Barsby, studio manager, said: “We’re really proud to be the first in Ashfield to do so. The industry is forever changing and hopefully it will prompt other studios to do the same.

“There can often be grey areas within the industry so although this scheme is currently only voluntary, we hope it will one day become mandatory, just like food premises. That way the general public will experience high quality services every time.”

Carol Cooper-Smith, service director for place and communities, said: “It’s fantastic that a business in Ashfield has reached the highest standard of hygiene. I’m sure there are more businesses out there capable of achieving a five-star rating.”

Other businesses in Ashfield can apply to be rated as part of the scheme by getting in touch with Ashfield District Council’s environmental health team on 01623 450000.