IT WAS like a real life John Lewis advert.

The ice had only just frozen at the festive rink at Brighton’s Royal Pavilion and the grand opening is not due to happen until this weekend. But there is always one who cannot wait.

This time it was a sly fox who crept on to the ice in the dead of night. He thought he was all alone but the ice rink manager was getting some late work done and captured him just as he was enjoying himself.

From the picture it looks like Mr Fox was playing it cool and is not about to take on Torvill and Dean any time soon. But he looked steadier than many of us will.

The rink opens for its ninth year on Saturday and tickets can be pre-booked online at royalpavilionicerink.co.uk. Full price tickets are £10.