THEY'RE going Potter potty across Huddersfield!
Harry Potter fans in the town are bracing themselves for the launch of the sixth book in the magical series.
Thousands of copies of J K Rowling's Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince have already been reserved by customers at town centre book shops.
And research carried out by online book retailer Amazon.co.uk has shown Huddersfield folk are among the most eager in the country to grab a copy of the new release.
Figures recorded by the site have ranked Huddersfield as the third highest area for pre-order sales after London and Newcastle.
Wendy Snowdon, senior books product manager of Amazon.co.uk, said: "It's plain to see that Huddersfield has some of the most loyal Harry Potter fans in the UK.
"They clearly want to be sure they have a copy of the book in their hands the day it is released.
"Harry seems to have cast some kind of spell over the North."
Across the town, book stores are preparing for the launch on July 16.
Ottakers, on New Street, and Waterstone's, in the Kingsgate Centre, will both be opening their doors at one minute past midnight (12.01am) to give fans the chance to be first to buy a copy.
Customers young and old are expected to flock to the stores for the fastest selling children's book to date.
Entertainment will also be provided at both stores for Potter-mad fans while they queue.
Michael Benson, bookseller at Waterstone's, Huddersfield, said: "We are so excited and thrilled to be a part of this magical evening.
"The midnight opening is a fantastic chance for die-hard fans to be the first to get their hands on the new book.
"We don't just expect children to be queuing either.
"Hundreds of adults have already reserved a copy at our store so it should be an amazing night for people of all ages."
