THEY say an artist has to suffer for their creations.

But imagine enduring seven hours of pain to act as a canvas for intricate artwork that will be yours forever.

That is exactly what Haili Hughes has done – and now she is in the running to be named Miss Tattoo UK 2012 and needs your help for the crown.

With huge pieces covering her chest, thigh, arm and back the English teacher at Sir Thomas Boteler CE High School in Latchford is hoping to win the competition, which takes place in March.

The 29-year-old said: “I think tattoos are beautiful – my body is a blank canvas.

“I got my first tattoo when I was 16 and I wouldn’t recommend it at that age.

“The one I had then I do regret and am having it covered up.

“I started getting into the more extreme tattoos when I was 23 or 24.

“The one on my leg took seven hours without stopping at a tattoo convention, it’s quite a feat of tenacity.”

Haili, from Latchford is influenced by 50s glamour and a pin up girl tattoo on her arm five years ago proved to be the catalyst to take her passion to the next level.

After losing seven dress sizes over the past few years she has also found the confidence to try her hand at modelling.

Despite her new found success in the modelling world, Haili still has the full support from staff and parents at the Latchford school where she works.

“Teaching is perceived to be a very middle class type of profession, it’s not,” added Haili.

“I’m given the freedom to have tattoos as long as it is tasteful.

“All the reactions I have are positive. When I was at school all the teachers were straight and there was nothing I could look up to as someone like me.

“Alternative culture is so strong now it’s nice for them to look up to me and that I don’t have to hide it.”

Her latest tattoo will be completed next week.

And, after revealing the outline alone was the most painful tattoo she has had so far, Haili is more than prepared to suffer for art.