FOOTBALL supporters and comic fans have been told to expect a larger than usual police presence in Wrexham this weekend.

Officers will be out to ensure best behaviour during FA Cup second round fixture between Welsh rivals Wrexham and Newport County, the side that pipped them to promotion in 2013.

More than 10,000 people are also expected over the weekend to attend biannual Wales Comic Con, being held next to the ground.

While police are not expecting trouble - the match with an 8pm kick-off is being televised on BT Sport - increased crowds and the rivalry between the two clubs justifies increased police numbers.

Sgt Steve Arnold, of North Wales Police, said: "There will be a bigger than normal presence in the town, purely for the purpose of public safety.

"Specially trained crowd control officers will be in attendance, but nothing will change for match going fans."

For the match special measures have been put in place, including the closure of roads around the ground along with the Glyndwr University car park

Geraint Parry, club secretary at Wrexham AFC, said: “We fully understand the reasons for a bigger police presence.

"There will be no car park at the game which is a bit of an issue, with the Comic Con in town.

“There will also be a road closure after the game, but with no car park that shouldn’t be anything to worry about.

“All we ask is that supporters give themselves plenty of time to travel to the game, respect our neighbours and park far from the ground.

“It’s a big game, live on television and we hope everyone enjoys themselves and has a good time.”

While North Wales Police are not expecting trouble, commanders say the increased crowds from both the match and the Comic Con justifies the police numbers.

For Newport County AFC, chief operating officer Guy Price said: “Both Newport County AFC and Wrexham AFC have battled hard to survive in recent years and both clubs are competing highly at the top of their respective leagues so it will be a fantastic occasion for both the clubs and football in Wales.

"I’m sure there will be an excellent atmosphere and excellent FA Cup tie.”

The Leader:

There will be scores of people in Wrexham dressed in colourful clothing emulating their heroes on Saturday. And for those who aren’t football fans there is Wales Comic Con.

Wales Comic Con, held at Glyndwr University and organised by local businessman Jaime Milner, is expected to bring more than 10,000 visitors to Wrexham over the weekend.

These visitors are anticipated to spend £1 million in the area before returning home.

Pre-booked weekend tickets had already sold out for the popular event – but more tickets went onsale today due to the event being bigger than in previous years. More tickets will be available on the door once advanced ticket holders have entered.

This weekend’s comic con, which is celebrating its 10th year in Wrexham, has the biggest line up of celebrity guests ever with organisers adding an extra marquee to the site.

Guests include Karl Urban (Star Trek, Thor: Ragnarok, Judge Dredd), Jenna Coleman (Doctor Who, The Cry, Victoria), Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy, King Arthur), and Pom Klementieff who plays Mantis in the Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers blockbuster movies.

There are also numerous stars from popular television series such as Doctor Who, Grimm, Supernatural, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Sons of Anarchy.

Wrexham is also looking to take advantage of the increased crowds as the town hosts ‘Small Business Saturday’.

Cllr Terry Evans, Wrexham Council's lead member for economic development and regeneration, said: “Wrexham is set to see tens of thousands of extra visitors during the weekend with the town centre hosting Small Business Saturday, Glyndwr University hosting Comic Com – one of the biggest and best in Europe – and the FA second match against Newport.

"It’s all good news for the economy and those in the tourism sector whose livelihoods depend on large events to bring in the crowds.

"Well done to all involved and good luck to everyone taking part in one of the biggest weekends in Wrexham in recent years.”

While the police are not expecting trouble, the increased crowds and the rivalry between the two clubs justifies the police numbers.

Sgt Steve Arnold, of North Wales Police, said: "There will be a bigger than normal presence in the town, purely for the purpose of public safety.

"Specially trained crowd control officers will be in attendance, but nothing will change for match going fans."