Amidst the horrors of terrorism, domestic tragedy and government by tyrants some modern habits cause me great irritation.

At my father's fire station in Acle, during the 1950s I recall many of his firemen had tattoos.

They were ex-seamen or ex-servicemen or both.

I have biker friends with emblazoned upper torsos but the difference in 2017 is that tattoos are the norm, gender is no object.

Young and not so young, women and men adorn themselves in the many parlours around the city. Clothing is worn especially so that this 'body art' can be shown off to advantage.

I am assured that Ms Dench, and who knows how many members of other professions are indeed 'decorated'.

The human body is God's most wonderful creation.

It needs no embellishment, certainly not 'inked-on'. Those Renee Magritte nudes uncovered in Norwich recently make my point.

The body is a master-work.

Try painting it in oil or water colour but not with tattoos.

They are very hard indeed to remove.