ESCHEWING the usual ways people decide to raise money for charity, this Barry man has inked up an interesting idea.

Shane Campbell, 31, is raising money for Help for Heroes by taking sponsorships to get a tattoo of the UK military charity's logo on his back.

Having joined the army after school and serving in the Welsh Guards from 1999 until 2006, Shane knows how crucial Help for Heroes are in assisting former and current servicemen who have suffered injuries or illnesses.

Deciding to do his bit for Help for Heroes, Shane came up with his idea to get the charity's distinctive silhouette logo - two men carrying another on a stretcher - permanently etched onto his skin.

"I just thought everyone does a skydive or a bike ride or a sponsored shave so I wanted to do something different," he said.

"The charity is something that is close to my heart. I've lost friends in conflict.

"Without the charity a lot of current serving soldiers and veterans wouldn't have got the support they require in any way, shape or form.

"They would be left out in the cold.

"There are friends and family and young kids now who are still in conflict that need the support of this organisation to keep their moral up".

Tattooist "Stubob" James got behind the idea as soon as he heard it and said he will do the tattoo for free at his shop on Holton Road.

"It's a good cause," he said. "As soon as Shane told me what he wanted to do I said I'd do the tattoo for free.

"I'd rather the money go to Help for Heroes than to me.

"My dad was in the army and other members of my family are in the army, it's a charity I support a lot."

Sponsorship money is being collected in O'Briens pub and The Buck on Holton Road or by contacting Shane on 07967791930 or at scambs82@gmail.com