Monica mania erupted in Oxford today as big crowds welcomed Monica Lewinsky to the city.

She arrived at Waterstone's bookshop in Cornmarket Street amid tight security worthy of a head of state, after spending the night at the Randolph Hotel.

Police were out in force as crowds pushed forward for a glimpse of the woman at the centre of the Bill Clinton sex scandal.

But security staff quickly ushered her into the store for her first book-signing session outside London.

Long queues of hopeful customers stretched outside the shop, which was only open to people buying copies of Monica's Story. Mature student Steve Cuthbertson, of Courtlands Road, Shipton-under-Wychwood, who was queuing with children Emma, 15, and Robbie, 14, said: "We got here about 10am because she is a legend. She is living history and I will be able to say I have met Monica Lewinsky."

Karyn Evans, 34, of Poplar Close, Kidlington, said: "I came down to get the book signed and have a look at her and tell her I think she's very brave.

"She deserves the right to put her side of the story across. It is about time she had her say. She has been through a lot."

Barry Ford, 60, of Hutchcombe Road, North Hinksey, said: "I collect autographed first editions. This one is special because it is a piece of history." Elaine Charlett, a customer service manager for Sainsbury's store in the Westgate Centre, queued for a signed copy which she plans to auction for Comic Relief.

Waterstone's decided to close its doors to all non-Monica customers from 10.30am. Spokesman Briony Train explained: "It was decided to close the store for both the public and Miss Lewinsky's safety.

"We would like to apologise to all our regular customers for this inconvenience."

Security staff inside the store were anxious to avoid the chaotic scenes witnessed at Monica's visit to Harrods on Monday, where queues stretched for 500 yards. At one stage in London, the former White House intern was led away in tears, declaring: "I can't do it."

After Oxford, she will head to Bristol and later Leeds, Manchester and Scotland.

Publishers Michael O'Mara Books earlier said Monica was feeling the strain and would be cancelling all UK interviews because she was "unwell". Company spokesman Lorraine Tyler said: "She is finding the tour schedule demanding. She needs to rest between signing sessions."

Monica was expected to dine with dons at All Souls College, Oxford, after receiving an invitation from fellows. She hoped to be there on Monday but cancelled after setting a new book-signing record at Harrods, with sales of 1,150 copies.

Story date: Thursday 11 March

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.