HOARDS of Potter-potty fans deluged Southampton last night to get their hands on a copy of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

Bookshops in the city took the unusual step of opening up at midnight to service desperate fans who wanted to get their copy of Harry Potter's fifth adventure.

A 300-strong crowd gathered outside Waterstone's Above Bar branch and WH Smith in the city saw a similar number gathering outside its doors.

Jon De Salis, manager of WH Smith said: "The number of people waiting outside the store has far exceeded our expectations.

"We only expected about 100 people to turn up but is it far more than that.

"The atmosphere is really nice and everyone is happy despite the wait to get served. I think most people just want to get their copy of the book and take it home to read.

"The best thing about the Harry Potter books is that they have got children into reading again. I think that is more important than anything."

Nearly 50 children from Bitterne Park Junior School attended a party at Waterstone's Above Bar branch.

They had their very own Hogwarts train to bring copies of the book out to them.

At midnight the doors were opened to the expectant crowd.

One of the first people to buy a copy of the book at Waterstone's was Victoria Smith, pictured left. The 17-year-old was bubbling over with excitement at finally getting a copy of the new book.

Victoria, a student from Southampton, said: "I am a big fan and I am going home to read my copy.

"I have been queuing since 10pm and I intend to read the book throughout the night so I can get it finished in one go."

Bookshops across the city were expecting today to be their busiest day of the year, with people clamouring to get their hands on copies of the book.

Waterstone's Above Bar branch opened its doors at 8am today when staff greeted customers by wearing fancy dress.

WH Smith in Southampton also opened at 8am. Staff wore their wizarding outfits, and competitions were held throughout the day.

Store manager, Jon De Salis, said: "We are expecting to be very busy as we have already taken pre-orders for 1,000 books."

At October Books on Portswood Road in Portswood, there will be a chance for a lucky person to win a bookplate signed by Harry Potter author, J K Rowling.

Kevin Mar, from October books said: "People need to pick up an entry form from our shop .

"We are asking entrants to tell us which house they think the talking hat would put them in at Hogwarts and why?"

See Monday's Echo for the chance to win a copy of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.