A reformed alcoholic got a giant tattoo of Jesus after turning to God following his struggle with the illness.

Ian Stacey, 49, of Bevendean, Brighton, suffered three strokes as he battled 34 years of alcoholism.

He got the £500 tattoo of the actor Robert Powell as Jesus of Nazareth in the 1977 film on Wednesday after finally beating the booze.

He is 17 months sober following a two-week stint at Millview Hospital in Hove and a nine-month stay at a rehab centre in Ditchling Rise in Brighton.

Mr Stacey said: “I would drink anything. I started when I was 15.

“But then I found God… so I got the tattoo to thank him.”

Mr Stacey said he started drinking cider before moving on to Guinness, wine and lager.

He said: “I attended AA meetings and I kept sober. I was drinking for 34 years and then I found God.

“I tried to give up and he [God] helped me.

“I was locked up for nearly a year and it really helped.”

His addiction reached its lowest when he had three strokes, but he is now on the straight and narrow.

He had the tattoo inked at Blue Dragon Tattoo Parlour in North Road, Brighton.

Other memorable tattoos penned on people in Sussex include in 2008 when Jack Newton had Professor Stephen Hawking’s face imprinted on his right leg.

In 2011 bank worker Dave Francis spent eight hours having the Royal Pavilion tattooed on his arm – he said he loved the building so much he felt it was a fitting tribute.

If you have problems with alcohol please call Sussex Alcohol and Substance Use Service on 01273 727888.

Mr Stacey spoke to The Argus reporter Anna Roberts at a Meet the Argus event at The Level in Brighton.

The events are held across Brighton and Hove and in Sussex.

Next Thursday local government reporter Tim Ridgway will be at The Pavilion Garden Cafe to meet the public.

If you have a story you would like to share please email news@theargus.co.uk or call 01273 544512.