A YOUNG ice hockey fanatic has been invited to present his arguments for a permanent ice rink in the city.

Sonny Keywood, 11, will put his case to Brighton and Hove City Council’s full council meeting on March 26 at Brighton Town Hall.

The youngster has attracted a wide range of supporters from former Brighton Tigers ice hockey players to the Queen who wrote a letter to Sonny commending him for his efforts.

The Cardinal Newman student has to travel to Guildford to play his hockey because there is no rink in Sussex.

After launching an online petition he gathered more than 900 signatures in less than a week.

Sonny said: “I started the online petition because I knew the council meeting was coming up.

“I had a look at the Isle of Wight because they’re trying to keep their ice rink and they set up a petition, so I thought I’d do the same thing.

“In three days we got 600 signatures and then it’s slowed down a bit, so hopefully that will pick up again.”

Proud mother Lynn said: “Some of the messages we’re receiving from people are so nice.

“He’s doing so well, and his own ice hockey career is coming on leaps and bounds too, we’re so proud.

“I’ll stand behind him every step of the way.”

With the temporary ice rink at Brighton Pavilion proving so popular over the festive period, supporters have argued there is a need for a permanent fixture in the city.

But the council argue it would not be sustainable given the costs involved.

Sonny’s father Simon said: “It’s a great response and we’re lucky The Argus supported us and it’s generated a lot of support.

“We just want to help Sonny get his ice rink.”