TV fans are bewitched

The actress, who played the lesbian witch lover of super-witch Willow in the cult American sci-fi drama until last year, was at the Infinitely Better shop in the Brunel Centre to sign autographs for scores of fans.

At the front of the queue were pals Cheri Reed, 11 and Amy Rose, ten.

The pair had dragged Cheri's dad, Chris to the store at 10.30am so they could get the star's autograph and present her with chocolates, flowers and a teddy bear when she arrived at 2pm.

Amber, who left the show in 2002, said she was touched by the attention.

"I cannot believe that they have got here so early," she said. "They were both adorable girls I have some great fans."

Cheri, who lives in Carter Close, Abbey Meads, says she never misses watching the Slayer. She said: "I love all the scary bits with all the demons and vampires.

"I like the girl power too. It's good that all the girls are really strong."

Swindon College student Nicola Stephens, 20, of Akers Court in Blunsdon, was next in line.

She said she managed to persuade her lecturer to let her have an early lunch.

"I love watching her," said Nicola. "She is so talented she can write as well as act.

Amber, who has appeared in 13 films, said it's always nice to come face to face with fans.

"Actors and actresses all hope that they affect people and when we go out and see it for ourselves it makes it all seem worthwhile," she said.

Steve Goss, the store's managing director, put the show's success down to a blend of good-looking actresses and fine script-writing.

He said: "Although a lot of young people watch the show, it also seems to appeal to 30-somethings.

"I think Buffy is more acceptable than other sci-fi shows, which tend to be a bit geeky. This show is pure escapism."

And Amber reveals she was keen to see Swindon, after reading Jasper Ford's sci-fi novel Lost In A Good Book, which is set in Swindon.

"It's great being able to see what the place is really like," she said.

Kevin Shoesmith