Autographed Potter edition up for grabs

A signed copy of the latest book in the Harry Potter series was being put up for auction via the internet today.

It is hoped the sale of the copy of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the fifth instalment of JK Rowling’s phenomenally popular series, will raise money for deaf-blind charity Sense.

Millions of people are expected to make a bid for the book via eBay.co.uk, the online auctioneers.

However, the highest bidder will not receive the copy until it is officially launched on June 21.

Paul Amadi, director of fundraising at Sense, said: “With no official book signings planned in the near future by JK Rowling, Harry Potter enthusiasts and book collectors will be eager to get their hands on possibly one of the few signed copies available.

“We are hoping to raise as much money as possible from the sale to go towards providing better services for the deafblind people Sense works with.”

Internet shoppers will be able to bid over the next 10 days.

The latest Harry Potter adventure has become the most pre-ordered book in publishing history.

JK Rowling, who lives in Edinburgh, will give a reading from the novel at the Royal Albert Hall in London on June 26, which will also be broadcast live over the internet.