STAR Wars mania is expected at Woolworths in Otley on April 2.

So much so, that the store is opening its doors at midnight in preparation for what it believes will be a 'mad dash' for the Star Wars Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace video.

The red and black-faced Darth Maul will greet customers as they buy the long-awaited video release. Some of those expected have already placed an order for their copy and are invited to enter a free draw to win 'Star Wars' merchandise.

Manager Tracy Clifford said, "You only have to think back to the fever surrounding the film release to know that this video will be a sure fire success, and probably one of the biggest video releases this year.

"The video is a great way for Star Wars fans to enjoy the film time and time again".

The Phantom Menace is the third highest grossing film of all time, raking in a massive £51 million at the UK box office.

Its video sales are expected to be second only to the highest grossing film, Titanic, which sold one million copies in the first three months.

For those shoppers who don't fancy the midnight mania, the store will also be open at an earlier time of 8am on Monday April 3.

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