THE Queen will not abdicate in 2005. Rugby ace Jonny Wilkinson will be back on form and injury-free, and an environmental event will panic Governments into action.

These are just a few of the predictions of Foulsham's Original Old Moore's Almanack * for the New Year.

The famous tome - with correct predictions ranging from the abdication of Edward VIII in 1936 to war in Iraq in 2003 - says that the year could start with a terrorist attack on American interests in Indonesia or the Caucasus in January "with a decisive reaction from a newly introduced international security force."

Volatility in land prices and housing, with a spring boom in house sales, should follow in February.

"There may also be floods, most likely in the south, and a major pollution problem with large areas contaminated."

Issues concerning air and space travel may come to fore, too, "and around this time a major airline may go bankrupt."

In March, Britain could lose a much-loved performer, and "several bizarre accidents are likely on the transport infrastructure," states the Almanack.

April "could see riots and may bring attacks on senior political figures" in Egypt is a two-month crisis phase, and there is likely to be election fever in the UK with the possibility of a General Election from late March to mid-May.

In May, there could well be a revival of problems like mad cow disease or foot and mouth disease. "There is a chance of accidents at nuclear power stations and safeguards should be taken both in the USA and in Russia," warns the Almanack.

Earth tremors involving "significant loss of life" could also occur on the western seaboard of the USA, in Pakistan, Kashmir or northern India.

The risk of nuclear accidents "remains high" during June, "particularly in relation to the proliferation of nuclear technology in the Islamic world." British financial interests abroad will look more solid, "and a senior English politician will retire."

July could see a major health scare in Britain "concerning an unparalleled incidence of heart disease." While in August, "the prospects are excellent for new British inventions and for Britain to take the lead in the latest technology, particularly genetic research."

In September, "the planetary patterns are extremely volatile and point to changes of government, violent political protests and terrorist attacks", but late in October, there could be news of an imminent Royal birth and a well-known young British celebrity announces a very early retirement.

In November the Church of England will be close to appointing its first female bishop, and the European Union will be "in a state of crisis with serious rows over military co-operation and foreign policy" and a violent anti-EU group possibly formed.

December may see the Government encouraging charities "to take over part of the public services", and "China will be assuming a major role on the world stage suggesting that next year may emphasise everything to do with the East".

* Old Moore Publications £1.99