A Southend man has been applauded for his tattoo tribute to soldiers who lost their lives during conflicts.

Toby Groom, 31, has tattoo across his entire back to remember the heroes serving on the frontline.

The artwork features an image from the Battle of Britain along with the trenches from the First World War.

Toby had the tattoo done by local artist Dan Roberts, who also helped with the design.

It took a total of 15 hours to complete, with the work done across a three-year period.

Echo:

Photos of the tattoo tribute have been shared on social media.

Toby said: “I’ve always had a deep interest in the causes and effects of war and conflicts.

“I had the tattoo as a tribute to all of the fallen and to show my total respect to all the men and women who gave their lives. I’m always getting comments from people asking about it.

“The most common question I get asked is how long did it take to complete. All the feedback I get from people has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Echo:

Toby has also had a custom hoodie made to remember the fallen.

He showed off his tributes after Sunday’s remembrance service in Southend had ended.

He added: “The hoodie I had custom made from a couple of ideas I had seen on jumpers.

“I wanted the text from my tat on it – ‘never was so much owed by so many to so few’.

“I’m extremely proud to have a permanent reminder of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.”

Echo:

Photographer Gaz de Vere shared pictures he took of the artwork on Sunday.

He snapped a poignant photo of Toby’s tattoo tribute next to the cenotaph, off Clifftown Parade, but said care was taken to make it respectful.

Gaz said: “It was a real struggle to work out how to get the shot of the tattoo without causing offence to anyone.

“We managed to grab it when most people had left after paying their respects at the base of the Cenotaph where wreaths had been laid.”