Long queues are predicted as fans aim to be among the first to buy tickets in person when they are can be booked at just after midnight on 1 July.

Many cinemas are planning to open round-the-clock to cope with the rush to see the Star Wars prequel, The Phantom Menace.

Multiplexes believe the demand for tickets may outstrip the huge rush for seats to England's games at last year's World Cup finals in France when telephone lines were jammed.

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Virgin Cinemas have said they are taking on extra staff to cope with the interest in the film.

The Odeon chain have announced that they are setting up a 24-hour hotline for advance booking.

The film is released in the UK at 0001 BST on 15 July with many cinemas hoping to screen it in the early hours to satisfy the fans.

When the blockbuster was released in America last month, many fans camped out for weeks to pick up advance tickets.

The Phantom Menace, which looks at the early years of characters who went on to become household names in the Star Wars trilogy, has already smashed previous box office records in the US and is expected to become the biggest selling movie of all time.

Star Wars mania has been gathering pace in Britain over the past few weeks.

An interactive roadshow exhibition, Power of Myth Experience, is currently in Manchester as part of a European tour.

It is devoted to the special effects-laden film, starring Ewan McGregor and Liam Neeson.