A BODY tattooist and piercing artist is celebrating 18 years of success.

Rob Morriss, 42, opened Studio Nine, in Queens Road, Southend, in 2004. He relocated from his original shop - Virgo, in Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff - which opened in April 1999.

He unveiled Studio Nine with his dad, Michael Roberts. He has since died - leaving his son to lead the way and fly the flag for the family.

The business is still thriving after 18 years, and Mr Morriss is now preparing for a busy summer.

To celebrate his 18th anniversary in the industry, Studio Nine is running a competition on it’s Facebook page - giving people the chance to win a free piercing of their choice.

Mr Morriss, who specialises in piercing, works closely with Clo Hoskings, who specialises in tattooing.

Rob said: “After 18 years of piercing I’m still extremely passionate about my work and I look forward to another 18 years to come.

“I have now pierced roughly around 70,000 people and until this day a day at Studio nine is never a boring one!

“I’ve pierced people of all ages from five-year-olds to pensioners and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every minute and meeting all these different groups of people.”

Mr Morriss told the Echo that he is very proud of how successful and how professional the business has become.

He added said that Studio Nine has a great clientele and has some very loyal customers - but is also welcomes new faces of all ages.

Studio Nine offers a range of tattoos and piercings and work to correct and cover up unwanted tattoos.