Ricky Gervais has been winning fans in Tunbridge Wells, posing for a picture and even looking after a dog in between shows.

The influential stand-up comedian, actor and writer played the first of two shows at the Assembly Hall Theatre last night, and took time out before tonight's show to have his photo taken outside The Amelia Scott arts centre.

Tunbridge Wells Council tweeted: "Thank you to the very kind @rickygervais star of last night and tonight's show who didn’t mind having his pic taken @theamelia_tw earlier this morning (and he looked after a lady’s dog while she went in to pick up a form!)."

Ricky, well known for his love of animals, replied with a picture of the dog in question - which looked slightly less happy than Ricky to be performing PR duties.

But the photo went down well with Twitter fans, such as @Anarchy4Animale, who responded "He's such a good man. Kind soul. Wickedly funny."

@AnnlfcJan added: "How can you not luv Ricky .G." while @bogritz replied: "Ricky is a man of the people. That's why we all love him so much!"

The popular comedian is currently performing in a number of 'work in progress' gigs at UK venues in advance of his upcoming Armageddon tour.