Locals in a hurry over Harry

Eluan Waldron, 14, of Lismore, grabbed the first copy of the new Harry Potter novel to be sold in Lismore.

By DAWN COHEN

AT FIVE past nine on Saturday morning, Eluan Waldron had Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince firmly in his grasp.

The 14-year-old Lismore resident was the first buyer to pick up the latest release in the cult series from the Book Warehouse, the only shop in Lismore that had not sold out before Saturday's release date.

"I pre-ordered it," said the Trinity Catholic College Year 9 student.

"I have read all the others. They are great because they're magical."

About 50 adults and children queued for the book, most having prepaid for their copy with vouchers.

Harry Potter and the HalfBlood Prince takes up the story of Harry Potter's sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as Voldemort's power is on the rise in a heated battle between good and evil.

Angela Axford, Book Warehouse store manager, was delighted with Saturday's sales.

Unlike her more cautious competitors, she ordered 500 copies, expecting the demand to be even greater for the latest in the cult series.

"People have waited two years for this," she said.

"They are very excited."

Ms Axford, dressed in a witch's hat for the occasion, said initial demand for the book trounced any other title in her 10 years working at the book shop.

The recommended retail price is $45.