British man has passport tattooed on back

LONDON, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- A British man had his passport tattooed on his back and even used the image as an ID to take money out of the bank, he said.

Richard Ashton, 27, told The Sun he had his passport inked on his back while backpacking in Australia in 2006.

"I wanted something to remember my holiday by, but also wanted something patriotic," he said. "My girlfriend at the time thought I was a bit daft, but eventually she found it hilarious. That seems to be the general reaction."

The London personal trainer said when he ran out of cash on his trip to Australia, he took off his shirt at a bank to use as ID.

"The cashier gave me a strange look. She typed in my name and details after reading my tattoo and allowed me $50."

Ashton, who was born in Sydney and holds dual citizenship, said he keeps his tattoo covered up most of the time.

"I don't walk around with my top off."

British officials said Ashton couldn't use the tattoo as ID to go abroad or enter Britain.