HUNDREDS of people flocked to Weymouth town centre to meet former glamour model Katie Price.

The 34-year-old paid a visit to WH Smith in St Mary Street where she signed copies of her new book, In The Name of Love.

Despite running an hour behind schedule, Katie spent time chatting to fans who queued for hours to see her.

She also threw her weight behind the Echo-backed charity, the Will Mackaness Trust and signed two books for our fundraising auction at our quiz and curry night on July 20.

Cheers and applause echoed around the room when Katie stepped out.

Amber Richards, 15, Jasmine Vann, 14, Shelby Francis, 15 and Bayleigh McCulloch, eight, said they had been waiting in line for eight hours.

Amber said: “We have been so excited all day, we have never met her before and we are all really big fans. It has definitely been worth it, she is so nice.”

Katie’s children Princess, five, and Junior, seven, came with their mum to Weymouth and were spotted waving to the crowds from the car.

Weymouth mum Cheryl Barrett, 32, and her sons Ethan, five, who suffers from cerebral palsy, and Jack, seven, were plucked out of the crowd to be the first in line to meet the star.

Miss Barrett said: “We queued for hours but it was worth it.

“Katie gave Ethan a high five and spoke to him, he was really excited.

“Jack was completely star struck. I think he has fallen in love with her.”

Katie signed four books for the excited family, which will be entered into a raffle to raise funds to buy Ethan an iPad.

Simon Kingdon, manager of WH Smith, said: “I am delighted that Katie came to Weymouth.

“We have had hundreds of people in the queue and all the copies of her new book have sold out.”

In an interview with the Echo ahead of her book tour, Katie said: “I’ve done more than 40 books now and this is my eighth novel.

“This book was special because it’s the first time I’ve written something that includes my passion for horse riding.

“It’s weird because every time I write a book it comes true, this novel was complete well before I had even met Leandro or suffered a horrific horse riding accident this time last year.”

The novel sees feisty sports presenter Charlie meet Felipe Castillo who happens to be related to the Spanish Royal family.

The book traces their relationship focusing on passion, heartbreak, horse riding and royalty.

Katie, who shot to fame as a page three glamour model in 1996, added: “I get excited about every book I write, I really love doing it.”

Top prizes up for auction

TWO signed Katie Price books, donated by WH Smith, will be part of our auction that will raise cash for charity at the Dorset Echo quiz and curry night on Friday, July 20 at Weymouth College.

All money raised will go to the Will Mackaness Trust, a local charity that helps deprived local youngsters try watersports and gain in confidence and teamwork skills. Places are still available for teams of four to six people at the quiz, with people asked to arrive at 7pm for a 7.15pm start.

Entry costs £15 per person and includes a meat or vegetarian curry with extras.

Call Jo Davis on 01305 830995 to book places or email joanna.davis@dorsetecho.co.uk