POTTERMANIA hits York tomorrow and the city's booksellers are gearing up for a price war.

The recommended retail price has been slashed by the big chains as they compete for sales of the publishing phenomenon of the Millennium.

Stores have put on special events and one is to open early in the expectation of bumper crowds desperate to get their hands on Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Borders in Davygate are expecting a special delivery of 450 copies today, priced at £11.99 £3 below the RRP.

Marketing manager James Kerr said interest was huge and the store had already taken 100 advance orders.

He said: "We have never seen anything like this before the last Star Wars book, the Phantom Menace, is the only thing that even comes close."

A day of special events is planned, including a Harry Potter quiz, a reading for the children, and the shop's caf will be selling Potter-themed fare.

JK Rowling's fourth book will be selling for £9.99 at Waterstones in High Ousegate.

Manager Paul Doughty has more than 500 copies being delivered today and has taken 130 advance orders.

He said: "We are expecting people to begin queuing early and we are opening the doors at 8.30am half and hour earlier than usual."

The first ten customers will get a special golden ticket which will allow them to meet JK Rowling in person at the National Railway Museum on Sunday.