Hundreds of fans queued patiently on Saturday to meet the best-selling author when he arrived at Hayling Island Bookshop to launch his new book Nation.

Terry, who has sold 55 million books worldwide, chose the bookshop as one of two launch venues as at only three metres square it's the smallest island bookshop in the British Isles.

And local fans were thrilled to see him as he signed books for two hours for 200 ticketed fans.

Susan Blight was first in line to see Terry who even wrote 'No 1' in her signed copy of Nation. The 54-year-old of Eastoke, Hayling Island, said: 'It's the first time I've met him and he's just as big a personality in real life as you expect. It was a bit in and out but we had a quick conversation. It was great.'

In contrast Dave Hayden, number 80 in the queue, has met the author several times. The 41-year-old of Brighstone Road, Cosham, said: 'I've been reading Terry Pratchett for 25 years and I've kept looking forward to the next book to come out. It's always great to see him.'

Pat Harkin, 51, travelled 260 miles from Leeds for the signing and even planned to go to the second half of the launch later that afternoon in London at Waterstone's 5,000 square metre Piccadilly store – the biggest bookstore in the British Isles.

But perhaps the most committed fans were schoolmates Richard Strange, Will O'Rourke and Matt Foster.

The 13-year-olds got up at 5am to be at the bookshop for 6am to stand in line for non-ticket holders just in case Terry had time to do a few more signings at the end.

Richard, who like his friends go to Oaklands Catholic School in Waterlooville, said: 'We've had our fingers crossed that we're going to get in and see Terry Pratchett.'

Colin Telford, from Hayling Island Bookshop, said: 'It's a good crowd, everyone's good-humoured. The weather is nice and Terry is in good form. It's been a memorable day.'