He was one of Norwich's great characters, known for his wit and artistic flair as much as his loyalty to friends and family.

Eastern Daily Press: Tony Cook. Picture: Courtesy of the Tony Cook familyTony Cook. Picture: Courtesy of the Tony Cook family (Image: Archant)

And now the son of Tony Cook has paid tribute to his dad, who died on July 1, aged 58.

Running a tattoo business called Tony's Tatts for eight years, Mr Cook made sure each of his creations was different so its wearer would forever have a unique piece of art.

And his son, also called Tony, said few people could be more unique than Mr Cook himself.

He said: 'He was a big family man and he was really proud of his kids and grandkids. He was very loyal, proud and old-fashioned - if you were his friend he would do anything for you. He was quite the ladies' man as well.'

Eastern Daily Press: Tony Cook. Picture: Courtesy of the Tony Cook familyTony Cook. Picture: Courtesy of the Tony Cook family (Image: Archant)

Mr Cook grew up in Chamberlin Road and eventually settled in Kett's Hill.

He worked as a scaffolder for 30 years and he became a regular figure at Norwich Market, where he would go to pick up work and chat to traders and friends.

He had always had a love of drawing and painting, and trained to be a tattooist about 10 years ago. Tony's Tatts first opened at The Moles Rest in Fifers Lane, and Mr Cook moved the business to below Enzo barbers in St Vedast Street eight years ago.

Tony Jnr said: 'If someone brought in a picture of what they wanted he would tweak it a little to make it unique.

'And even when times were slow he always found a way to keep going.'

Tony Jnr said Mr Cook also had a passion for music - especially ska, reggae and northern soul - and in his younger days was among Norwich City FC's regular 'Barclay Boys' at Carrow Road.

He also appeared in the Danny Dyer film Malice in Wonderland playing the role of a henchman, an experience which became a fond memory.

Mr Cook loved his motorcycle, and would ride his Yamaha XJR 1300 whenever he could.

Tony Jnr said: 'Every chance he could get he was out with the boys riding from coast to coast, all around Norfolk and Suffolk, anywhere he wanted to go.'

Tony Jnr said Mr Cook - who had three children and another step-son he was very close to - would be much missed.

Mr Cook's funeral will be at St Faith's Crematorium on August 3 at 2pm. It will follow a procession, including many bikers, through Norwich city centre. Tony Jnr said bikers were welcome to join leaving from the bike park at the top of Norwich Market at 12.15pm.