HUNDREDS of Apple fans are expected to descend on WestQuay tomorrow when the latest generation of the iPhone hits the shelves.

Queues are expected to be round the block when the Apple store at WestQuay shopping centre opens at 8am when the iPhone 5 goes on sale.

Customers will need to queue at the Above Bar entrance on the High Street. They are the only doors that will open before 8am.

People receive a ticket as they enter the centre, guaranteeing access to the store in the order of their queue position.

A queue will then be formed outside the Apple store, when the centre opens at 8am any other customer can come and join the queue although ticket holders will get priority.

The multi-storey car park will be open from 5.30am and the Podium car park from 8am.

Other mobile phone retailers will open at 8am for sales of the new handset, which boasts a larger screen, thinner body and more processing power than its predecessor, the iPhone 4S.

Since Southampton Apple Store opened, it has become an annual event for hundreds of people to turn up early and eagerly queue for the latest Apple gadget, such as iPhones and iPads.