Tranent man Derek Marr wins lifetime supply of pies from Nettie's after getting tattoo of shop's logo

An East Lothian NHS worker has won a lifetime supply of tasty pies - after he had a cafe owner’s face tattooed on his body.

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Derek Marr has scooped a pie of his choice every day for the rest of his life after winning an online competition set up by pastry specialists Nettie’s in Tranent.

Derek agreed to have the shop’s logo - a caricature of cafe owner Lynnette Shields’ face - permanently inked on his leg to land the unusual meaty prize.

Derek Marr with tattooist Shannon Jamieson and Lynette Shields, owner of Nettie's takeaway

And the 34-year-old care assistant carried out the wacky stunt at local artist Brass Buddha Tattoos on Saturday afternoon.

Derek, from Tranent, said “I was delighted to win Nettie’s Facebook competition as I have been a regular in the shop over the past year. Some of the pies they have are really worth the visit.

“It was down to me or two other guys and fortunately I managed to gather enough ‘likes’ and ‘shares’ on Facebook to win.

“I had to wait a couple of weeks to get the tattoo done as Brass Buddha are really busy but I have to say they have done an amazing job - I love the design.

Derek's new tattoo has won him a lifetime supply of pies

“It’s a great competition to win - I mean, who doesn’t want free pies for life.”

Derek - nicknamed The Hulk - plays prop for local rugby club Ross High RFC and has said he has been sharing his good fortune with grateful teammates.

The dad-of-four added: “The guys at the club have been enjoying the pies as much as I have. I had to bring a good selection down to the clubhouse as, to be fair, they all helped me win the contest.”

Nettie’s has become well known for serving up a gourmet range of pies including Derek’s favourite - a special chicken and haggis offering cooked in an Irn Bru sauce.

Derek Marr got the tattoo of the Nettie's logo

Owner Lynnette, 41, said: “I saw Greggs had held a similar competition and I thought if I did the same it would be a fun way to engage with the local community.

“We set it up on Facebook and after we chose three participants it was Derek who ended up being the lucky guy to get the most likes and shares.

“I was delighted Derek won as he works for the NHS and all those guys have really been through the mill recently.

“I think the tattoo looks great and we all look forward to seeing Derek in the shop on a regular basis to collect his pies.”

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