Man breaks Marvel comic book heroes tattoo record

A man has broken the Guinness World Record for the number of Marvel comic book characters tattoos.

Tom Radford, from Hull, has 63 of the superheroes covering most of his body.

The 40-year-old said he has spent more than £18,000 and 350 hours under the needle getting the work done.

He started with an image of Thanos in 2016 and managed to meet the actor Josh Brolin who plays the character in New York, adding his autograph to the body art.

Radford describes himself as a Marvel obsessive who collects "anything and everything Marvel-related".

"When I got Thanos tattooed I wanted it placed at the top of my thigh because if it wasn't perfect I could always hide it," he said.

"Needless to say it was better than perfect and the urge for more began."

Radford gets all the work done by local tattoo artist Andy Walker, who Radford described as "like an artist painting on canvas". The pair have become firm friends.

"It was never meant to be what it turned into, and I honestly never thought I would cover my entire body with tattoos," said Radford. "I think I might be addicted."

The previous record stood at 31, until Radford started his quest to beat it a decade ago.

He said he is planning to add Captain America, Iron Man, Hulk and Wolverine to his body, on space near his armpits and groin.

Only his head, neck and hands will remain uncovered, after his mother asked them to not be tattooed.

"I've endured pain in places very few will understand for tattoos no one will ever see, all for the sake of this record," he added.

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices

Listen to highlights fromHull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, and watch the latest episode of Look North.