Cheap Chance for Potty Fans (From Stroud News and Journal)

Cheap Chance for Potty Fans

HARRY Potter fans are expected to be queuing on the streets at the witching hour this weekend, to get their hands on the first copies of the latest instalment of the boy wizard's adventures.

Potter-mania looks set to work its marketing magic on Stroud with the release of The Order of the Phoenix, the fifth book of the series, which goes on sale this Saturday.

Such is the demand for the beguiling book that Stroud Bookshop owner Charles Tongue has decided to open his doors for short spell from 12 midnight on Friday.

The shop will be open for an hour until 1am on Saturday for those who just cannot wait can snap up a copy of JK Rowling's latest book.

Mr Tongue said he had 800 copies and had already received over 200 reservations.

"This is the only time in my life this is likely to happen," he said.

"It's a bizarre and amazing publishing phenomenon."

He has also promised to knock £4 off the cover price of £16.99, selling the book for £12.99.