THE launch of the latest Harry Potter book is to be marked by bookshops across Swindon.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix becomes officially available on Saturday, June 21.

It is the latest in the series by JK Rowling which has so far broken all records for children's book sales.

And some bookshops are taking the Saturday deadline at strict face value by putting it on sale immediately after the stroke of midnight.

Among them is the new Borders store at the Orbital Retail Park in North Swindon.

Spokesman Stephen Torsi said: "A fancy dress party will begin at 10pm on Friday, followed by a Harry Potter quiz at 11pm.

"The book will go on sale at a minute past midnight, and on Saturday we will have a live owl and a magician."

Waterstone's in the Brunel Plaza is also planning to open to fans at midnight, and will have a variety of attractions yet to be announced.

Meanwhile, the firm has invited a family of Harry Potter fans from Blunsdon to join celebrities such as Sting and Dame Judi Dench to celebrate the launch.

Raymond and Linda White will take daughter Chloe, nine, and five-year-old son Sam to the five-storey showpiece Water-stone's store in Picadilly, London.

Other celebrities who will be gathering to mark the book launch include chef Gordon Ramsay and writer and actress Meera Syal.

Waterstone's spokeswoman Gail Dibble said: "Seven lucky families across the country have been drawn from Waterstone's customers who have pre-booked copies of the new book and have been invited to attend the London event."

WH Smith in Regent Street is also planning a midnight opening, and spokeswoman Davina Stanislaus said there would be a party atmosphere, with music and staff wearing fancy dress.