A Cumbrian tattoo artist is in the running to be crowned the nation's Tattoo Artist of the Year.

Luke Sayer, who grew up in Penrith, is among the seven remaining contestants on the E4 television show, which sees professional tattoo artists showcasing their skills for the title.

In last night's episode (TUES) - the second in the six-part series - the talented 24-year-old was given the challenge of designing a tattoo of a puppy in a cup which he then inked onto his client's leg.

Artists were asked to tattoo images of all their clients pets in the timed challenge, before then taking on a brief of traditional Japanese tattoos under the watchful eye of world-renowned guest judge Stewart Robson.

Judging their creative eye and talent are Jay Hutton and Rose Hardy, both accomplished and successful tattoo artists with very different styles.

Across the series tattoo artists will take each other on in a host of tasks, designed to test their inking ability.

On getting onto the show and - surviving week two - the former Beaconside Primary School and Ullswater Community College pupil, told the News & Star : "It was a bit overwhelming to be honest.

"It was really fun though. I've done nothing like it. It was completely new to me.

"I just didn't want to go out first. That's all I was thinking so to get through any more will just be crazy to me."

After finishing school Luke studied at Kendal Art College for a couple of years, which helped him get on an apprenticeship.

"As far as I can remember I always wanted to be a tattooist," he explained.

"I have always enjoyed art. The job is as much a hobby as it is a job. I really enjoy it.

"It's nice waking up to go to something you enjoy as a hobby as well."

Luke, who works at Samsara Custom Tattoo and lives in Grange-over-Sands, is so popular he's not currently able to take any more bookings - and says he's booked up for the next five years.

This year he said most of the people who've taken appointments are coming from overseas, including someone from the Carribbean.

He's currently working on a body suit for Chris Miller, from Liverpool, who travels across the world with Luke to conventions, and he has recently tattooed Gaz Beadle from the reality series Geordie Shore.

Luke specialises in black and grey realistic tattoos.

While the Japanese style isn't Luke's favourite area of tattooing, he enjoyed it and gave it his best shot in the latest installment of the show.

He said: "The whole part of the show is testing our skills in all the areas. To find someone who can do everything to a good standard.

"All the artists who applied for the show all have their own specialties but it could go in anyone's favour as to what comes first."