A NEW tattoo shop is opening in Taunton next week.

The Crooked Heart Tattoo is hoping to welcome its first customers to its premises at 9 Corporation Street from Monday (August 8).

The three artists working there have experience of the trade in Somerset, London, the Midlands and even Thailand and Nepal.

The venture is the brainchild of owner Kyle Lawrie, who is accompanied by fellow tattooists Kayne Sherwood and Jacque Beddoes, who all have around 10 years' experience in the trade.

They had worked together in another tattoo shop in the county town for a while.

Kyle said: "I felt it just wasn't right for us, so decided to set up here.

"Tattoo shops are going in a different direction.

"We're trying to go back to a more welcoming tattoo shop.

"People will be able to see what we're doing rather than keeping it private."

Crooked Heart will take bookings and walks-ins where available.

Kyle started out in tattooing in Yeovil and then Glastonbury, followed by Thailand and Nepal.

Kayne, originally from Taunton, spent a few years working in London before returning home.

And Jacque plied his trade in Kidderminster until moving to Taunton a couple of years ago.

There are plans to take on a fourth artist.

"We all do slightly different things," said Kyle.

"But we cater for most styles and are all pretty versatile.

"We've made the place more comfortable for customers, with more space to work in.

"We're trying to push ourselves a little bit further in what we do.

"I'm getting very excited and can't wait to open."