A TREDEGAR man has been able to realise his dream of opening his own tattoo parlour, thanks to funding from Melin Works.

Stephen Daley, 52, has been given £3,000 from the social landlord to kick-start his business.

Mr Daley said: “I should have opened up my own place years ago, but funding has been the issue.

“Melin offered me a lifeline – if they hadn’t stepped in, this business probably wouldn’t have happened.”

The parlour on Commercial Street will be called Painful Desires and hopes to be open by St David’s Day.

Melin has agreed to buy equipment such as cladding and inks, and support training courses in health and safety and first aid.

Mr Daley added: “I’ve already got about £1,000 worth of equipment myself. I’ve been practising on friends for years and have worked in other people’s parlours in London and all over.”

Melin Works aims to help people improve their skills and find employment. It includes a wide range of opportunities to enhance employability, including volunteering, work tasters, apprenticeships and graduate interns.

Mark Gardner, chief executive of Melin Homes, said: “Creating opportunities for residents like Stephen is really important to us.

“We are pleased to be able to support someone who has shown such initiative and drive to find his way back into employment.”