Until now my image of a tattoo studio was a dingy, dark and cramped place full of cigarette smoke and hairy bikers.

But after visiting the mobile studio which belongs to Dunstable-based tattooist Greg Gregory, my preconception of the trade has totally changed.

Greg was born on December 4, 1956 – the day the 'Million Dollar Quartet' (Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins) recorded their famous album.

He describes himself as someone who was "born in the 1950s and who stayed there".

This is certainly where his interests have remained, both musically, mechanically and dress-wise.

One of his first loves is Elvis, the other tattoos, and over the past few years this talented chap has been working his socks off trying to bring his passions together in his dream business – running a 1950s-themed mobile tattoo studio.

Greg's fascinating journey began when he started a three-year apprenticeship at Rockit Tattoos in Edgware when he was 38.

He then spent two years working at Krazie Needles in Harlsden, which was a great grounding for eventually working for himself.

During this time, Greg had began searching the globe for a suitable trailer so he could get his idea for his themed studio off the ground.

A friend found a 1953 Airstream trailer in the States, which Greg brought over to the UK and then began the hard work of transforming it from its derelict state into a place he would be proud to show off to customers.

A new frame, axle and brakes were followed by a complete refurbishment, and then there was the business of getting the health and safety licence.

But in April 2007, the hard work paid off and Travel Ink Tattoos was born.

Greg, 51, who is clearly delighted with his new work premises, said: "This is my dream – I'd like to pass it down to my grandsons."

This clean, bright caravan is a shrine to his love for the 1950s. The walls are decorated with Elvis and Beale Street memorabilia.

And the tattooist chair is an original Belmont which he has covered in bright red leather, finished with grey piping.

Greg is happy to travel to most places to do tattoos but, due to the theme of the studio, he goes down a treat at rock'n'roll and jive events.

He said: "I always have fresh coffee on the go and music playing. Customers love it – they don't want to leave once they're in."

Greg, who has 14 tattoos of his own, also works as a surveillance officer in West End casinos.

And although he's keen to one day make tattooing his only job, he said: "I'm very selective about the events I go to and always ask for picture ID to prove someone is 18."

He's also careful to make sure his customers are certain when they go ahead with body art. He said: "I want people to go away with tattoos, not regrets."

This year Greg hopes to take up a monthly spot with his studio at The Ace Cafe on the North Circular in London. The historical cafe has been a hotspot with bikers and rockers for years.

Travel Ink tattoos start from £40 and the process begins with two consultations before you go ahead with your chosen design.

>> For more details call Greg Gregory on 0797 0018158.