A new shops has opened in the heart of a village, being the first of its kind.

Artisan Ink has formally opened on Bridge Street, Coggeshall, the villages first tattoo shop.

Witham MP, Priti Patel visited the new shop on Friday to meet owners Megan Potter and Michael Hayward to take part in a special ribbon cutting ceremony.

During her visit, Priti was able to get a close-up of the work Michael was doing on a customer’s arm.

The Home Secretary said: “I was very pleased to meet Megan and Michael and to hear about their plans for the future.

“It is always great to see a new business starting up in my constituency and especially when it is something a little bit different.

“I wish Artisan Ink every success in the future. I will certainly be following their progress with great interest.”

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Megan said having Priti’s support was “much appreciated”.

She said: “We are very grateful to Priti for taking the time to call by and open our business.

“It is a great send off for us and it was very useful to be able to chat to Priti about our journey leading up to starting this business and the plans and hopes we have for the future.”