UNDAUNTED by the cold, drizzly weather, scores of Ricky Gervais fans hot-footed it to the Regent today to ensure the best seats in the house.By 8.30am more than 40 people had gathered outside the theatre to make sure they did not miss out on the comedian's March shows.

UNDAUNTED by the cold, drizzly weather, scores of Ricky Gervais fans hot-footed it to the Regent today to ensure the best seats in the house.

By 8.30am more than 40 people had gathered outside the theatre to make sure they did not miss out on the comedian's March shows.

At the front of the queue was a 60-year-old woman from Felixstowe, who did not wish to be named.

She said: “I've been here since 5am. I didn't want to miss out.”

Also near the front was Alison Allen, 51, of The Street, Rushmere.

She said: “I'm here to get tickets for me and my daughter. I've left her at home in bed.

“I got here at about 7.15am and I'm surprised there're not more people here.

“I would have been prepared to camp overnight but we drove down late last night and there was no-one here so we thought we'd just get up early this morning.”

Jamie Pearson, 20, of Britannia Road, Ipswich, said: “I'm a really big fan. I've been to see him twice before and I've got tickets to see him in Brighton next month, but I couldn't miss out on the chance to see him in my home town.

“I'm quite surprised he decided to come to Ipswich.”