A BARMOUTH Bridge fanatic has inked a large permanent tribute to his favourite structure on himself.

Some people wear their heart on their sleeves but Mike Shaw, 42, a farmer and tattoo enthusiast, has inked the town’s famous bridge, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, on his flank.

The unique artwork, which cost him £340, is of huge personal significance to Mike as the bridge, and the town it serves, has played an important part in his life.

“As a child my family and I always went to Barmouth on holiday,” he reminisced.

“I was the youngest of seven, all my sisters were older than me. It was a game we used to play, we’d each try and be the first to spot Barmouth Bridge, that’s when we knew we were on holiday proper.”

Mike, who lives in Anglesey but hails from Warrington, explained the importance of his tattoo.

“My second wife Carole and I got married in Dolgellau in 2009 but held the reception in The Last Inn, Barmouth,” he continued.

“We had carnations as wedding flowers so you can see one of those at the bottom of my tattoo.

“The carnation and the bridge mean a lot to me, they remind me of my parents. I lost my dad when I was only 15 but the bridge always makes me think of my parents and our time together when I was a youngster.

“It’s always a place I’ll remember fondly.”

Read the full story in this week’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News