HARRY Potter fans in Basingstoke gathered in their hundreds at midnight on Friday to be among the first in Britain to get their hands on the latest JK Rowling release, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

On the magical stroke of midnight, Hammicks and Waterstones opened their doors for one hour to sell the much anticipated fifth installment of the wizarding world at Hogwarts to dozens of eager young Muggles.

Potter enthusiasts began queuing outside Hammicks at 7.30pm, bringing deckchairs and supplies to make their four-and-a-half hour wait more comfortable.

In prime position at the front of the queue were Tristan Musselwhite, 13, from Grove Road, Black Dam, and Luke Taylor, 11, from Browning Close, Popley.

Tristan said: "I like the Harry Potter books because of the way Harry used to be really sad, but got really happy at Hogwarts. I'm really looking forward to this book because the last one was left on such a cliffhanger, and I want to see who dies."

Hammicks held a special sleep-over party for 10 winners of their quiz to find the biggest Harry Potter fans.

Lucky competition winner Melissa Rogerson, 11, from Summerfields, Chineham, was one of the very first to receive a copy of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. She took her brother Jack, who was celebrating his eighth birthday, to the party.

Melissa said: "I've read each book 16 times and I know every bit off by heart. My mum said I'll have to go straight to bed when I get home, but I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight."

Rob Verner-Jeffreys, Hammicks store manager, was dressed as Professor Quirrell for the midnight event.

He said: "It's overwhelming. I was expecting half the number of people that are here. The children have been really well behaved. It's just fantastic."

Speaking later on Saturday, Rob estimated that by the end of the day, Hammicks would have sold around 1,200 copies of the new JK Rowling book.

Bob Waterhouse, Waterstones store manager, said: "We've sold about 300 copies so far, and I can see us selling out by the end of the day.

"A lot of adults have been buying the book, saying it's not for them, it's for their children - but I'm not so sure."

Waterstones held a fancy dress competition with WHSmith on Saturday, and the winner will be announced during the week.

The new ASDA store in Brighton Hill had a flying visit from Jacob the barn owl to help celebrate the book launch.

Harry Potter and his snowy owl, Hedwig, have had a huge impact on the number of children wanting their own pet owl.

Handler Ray Prior was keen to explain that stroking an owl marks it with human scent, which can lead to baby owls being abandoned by their parents.

He said: "Unfortunately, we live in the Muggle world. I want people to be interested in knowing about owls, but not interested in getting one as a pet."

The store also ran a Harry Potter look-a-like competition, and is planning to begin a creative writing competition with local schools.