RESIDENTS have been getting tattoos of bees in a show of solidarity for the victims of the Manchester terror attack.

Tattoo parlours around the country have been inking customers with bee tattoos in return for donations as part of the Manchester Tattoo Appeal.

The worker bee symbolises the city’s hard-working past as an Industrial Revolution hub in the 1800s, with workers being called ‘busy bees’.

Art N Soul Tattoo in Witton Street have been inspired by the appeal and have decided to do their part to help raise money. 

Tim Hitchens, co-owner of Art N Soul Tattoo, said: “You’ve got to do something for something like this. It’s part of our area. It’s horrible.

“This is just overwhelming, we had to do something to help.”

Jolene Hitchens, co-owner of Art N Soul Tattoo, said: “Everyone is pulling together.

"The tattoos are something to show that they have showed support. And it’s money to a worthy cause.

“I was just horrified when I found out what happened. I first saw it on Facebook, then I had the news on. It was sickening.

“Manchester is somewhere we all go. We go to concerts there, it’s horrible. There are no words.”

Tim said they have already inked around ten people young and old and have bookings up until June 17, although there are still some slots available.

Some have been in colour and others black and shaded.

Jolene said: “They have been really happy with them. They have been contacting us saying they wanted them doing.

"A lot of people who have come we have not seen before.”

Every customer must make a donation of £50, with all of the funds going to charity.

Tim said: “We have a donation box on the counter and for every tattoo we ask for money to be donated in the tin.

"Some people have come in especially just to donate as well.

“We’re going to keep doing it until they stop coming in. For something like this, we have to raise as much as possible.”

Call Art N Soul Tattoo on 07450 535917.

For more information about the Manchester Tattoo Appeal visit facebook.com/Manchester-Tattoo-Appeal-188090721591996/