EAST Lancashire is preparing to go Harry Potter potty this weekend to celebrate the fifth book by author JK Rowling.

Supermarkets are making copies of the book available at 12.01am on Saturday -- and the Post Office is bracing itself for a deluge of parcels containing the latest instalment, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

And town centre stores such as WH Smith are opening their doors from 7.30am so fans can get their hands on the wizard words.

Today, bosses at Asda, which has stores in Blackburn, Accrington and Burnley, has issued assurances to readers that there are plenty of copies of the book - despite the theft of 7,000 hardback copies destined for their shops from a warehouse in Merseyside.

People looking to borrow the books from libraries are being advised to get their names down quickly, because there is a long waiting list.

At Longridge Library, a Hogwarts Treasure Hunt and Howler Day is being held today, followed by a craft event on Friday. But in Blackburn town centre, the Harry Potter fun only really kicks off on Saturday, June 28. A Magical Creatures Marquee will feature owls, snakes and spiders courtesy of Blackpool Zoo and Barn Owl Bill. Wizarding walkabouts and live magic will combine with storytellers, street theatre, fire eating and fortune-telling.

Film look-alikes will provide street comedy and entertainment, while Blackpool Zoo's Ancient Medicines and Potions display and demonstration and Creepy Crawly Roadshow will transfix one and all.