A MOTHER of three is hoping the painful removal of tattoos -- which have blighted her life -- will act as a deterrent to young people.

Clare Colgan had the tattoos etched on her when she was a young girl.

But now, aged 33, she has recently had them removed.

Mrs Colgan of Ennerdale Avenue, Breightmet, believes the painful process she has undergone has been worth every penny she has spent.

The crude tattoos were etched on her arms by friends in children's homes where she lived while in social services care.

She said it was "the thing to do" and was thought to be "trendy" at the time.

All her friends were clamouring to have the home-made art work etched on their skin with Indian ink and a needle.

But the tattoos quickly became a reminder of a time she would rather forget.

The trauma of the removal process has left her children Remis, aged five, Lauren, eight, and 12-year-old Lee determined never to get tattoos.