It sounds like the sort of legacy Hannibal Lecter would leave, but Eric Vinten is determined to cash in on his appearance after his death.

When he dies, he hopes the art etched on his flesh will help provide for his four children.

For Eric plans to have his heavily-tattooed body stripped of its skin when he dies before having it sold off to the highest bidder.

He hopes his skin will be preserved and put on display for people to admire in years to come.

Eric has 45 per cent of his body adorned with tattoos. Most of his designs have been created during weekly sessions at Black Pearl Tattoo Salon in London Road, Bexhill.

Eric, of Cooper Drive, Sidley, said: "My skin is not going to be any use to me when I die so it may as well be auctioned.

"It would be such a waste to take such beautiful artwork to my grave with me. Plus I want to give my children some financial help for their futures.

"I have heard about people's tattooed skin being sold in places like Japan and America. In China, some are used as lampshade covers.

"I'm not sure how I would feel having my skin stretched over a lampshade but I'm hoping it will be displayed somewhere for people to admire."

Eric has gone under a needle at the tattoo salon for two hours a week for the past seven months.

With eight months of work still to be done, he has already got almost half his body covered in tattoos, across his back, arms and legs.

But he hopes eventually to have his entire body covered.

Eric's designs wrap completely around his frame to tell a story, like a body tapestry. Each side of his body has good and evil symbols.

His bodywork has been created by tattooist Jason Williams.

Mr Williams, 30, said: "If someone is prepared to pay £20,000 for a tin of human waste, then who knows what a human tattooed skin will fetch.

"I imagine when it does come up for auction, it will be highly collectable."

Lionel Titchener, of the Tattoo Club of Great Britain, said: "Stripping of the skin is more common in Japan but not so much over here.

"The reason is because it is very difficult to persuade a doctor to carry out the skin stripping, whereas in Japan and America doctors are more accommodating."