A man has spent almost £2,000 on an impressive back tattoo inspired by the two world wars.

Rainham resident Lee Terry's inking took around 42 hours, spread across six all-day sessions.

It features several Spitfires flying through the sky while at the base it depicts a moment from D-Day with soldiers battling their way ashore.

The 43-year-old said: "I have always loved the war. I am obsessed with it. I just thought I have got to have something to do with the war.

"I designed a back piece and said this is what I want.

"It is just something I love. The people who have fought are just amazing.

"It is a thank you for what they have done for us. They are just heroes. We would not be here if it was not for them."

The bricklayer says all his family and friends think it is "amazing" apart from his nine-year-old son and daughter, 13, who are not impressed as they "do not like any of his tattoos".

Lee also has Rochester Castle and a knight featured on his chest alongside some others but says he doesn't think they're "too much".

Lee said: "I wanted a big piece and the biggest area is on my back. It was painful but worth it in the end.

"When it was hurting, I thought this is nothing compared to what they suffered.

"I am sitting in a lovely room while they were in the trenches being shot at.

"If they could put up with that, then I can put up with this."

His house in Mierscourt Road also pays tribute to those who fought with a sign featuring soldiers reading Lest We Forget.

As does his LT Re-pointing and Brickwork Specialist work van, which features silhouettes of troops.