Posters will be displayed in schools across Tameside featuring a model with the names of diseases tattooed on her back such as hepatitis, septicaemia and HIV.

The hard-hitting message aims to remind youngsters they are at risk if they use an illegal tattooist.

The campaign was sparked after an unregistered tattooist was caught working from a block of flats in Dukinfield last November, offering children as young as 12 tattoos for as little as £5. Following an appeal in the Advertiser, almost 250 teenagers contacted a helpline.

The tattooist is currently under investigation by Tameside Council and could face prosecution.

Councillor Catherine Piddington, cabinet member for environmental services, said: "I am not sure people are even aware it’s illegal for an under-18 to have a tattoo, let alone the obvious dangers to your health if you have one done by an unregistered tattooist. Unless the tattooist is registered with the council, you have absolutely no guarantee the equipment they’re using has been cleaned since the last person.

"Thinking about that makes me shudder and certainly leaves me wondering what’s going through their heads while they’re having it done, normally in unclean conditions and using dirty equipment."

Stacey Starowojtow, 16, from Dukinfield, visited him twice for a Tinkerbell design on her back. She faced an anxious wait for blood tests before learning she was safe.

"I found out about him when my mum got the letter. I was scared and shocked," she said.