i wouldn't have dismissed this story as real, once the word "skegness" was brougfht into the equation - i stayed at the holiday centre there a few years ago, in accommodation that was on the opposite side of the road to the main facilities, accessible by a subway. several times heading for breakfast, i met a rat in the subway coming the other way. it didn't run away, but just lifted a paw as if to say "alright mate".....