IT MAY seem a somewhat unlikely beast, but I am assured that we have just come under the influence of a metal snake.

That apparently is the correct title for the Chinese New Year, which began on Wednesday according to Chinese horoscope expert Peter Holme who has studied the art of fortune prediction for many years at his oriental palace in the mystic eastern end of Sparrowmire Lane, Kendal.

It seems that a lot of people, not me I hasten to say, place a great deal of reliance on what the stars foretell, so here, for the benefit of those of weak mind are the prediction for the year of the metal snake.

Under the Chinese system even places can have a horoscope and, as Kendal's Charter was granted in the Year of the Dog those in power should put on hold their plans for the town centre until next year (The Year of the Horse) when they will have a much better chance of success.

I can't see that it will be too difficult for them to heed that advice as the plan seems to already have been on hold for the last 20 years.

Individual forecasts are:-

Those born in The Year of the RAT (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996)

Under no circumstances should you gamble or be careless with your money or you will lose it.

You should also take care of your health this year for a major illness threatens particularly if you ignore the early symptoms.

Year of the OX (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997)

A good year both workwise and socially.

The Ox is usually a workaholic but lighten up a little and get out more and you will find romance in the air.

However be careful in whom you confide, for the ensuing gossip could spoil a promising relationship.

Year of the TIGER (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998)

Don't get involved with other people's disputes it will cost you money and your interference will not be appreciated.

The worry of it could bring on a stress related illness, especially as it could affect your enjoyment of the coming Year of the Horse.

Year of the RABBIT or CAT (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999)

You will have unexpected demands on your bank balance due to travel with your work and a possible move to a new house.

You will be the subject of gossip but you will not care and quite rightly so because it will be based on lies.

Year of the DRAGON (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988)

Business will be great especially if you planned your schemes last year.

Those ideas, which received nothing but derision, will now bear fruit.

However they will require hard work and as a result your love life will suffer.

Year of the SNAKE (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989)

This is your year.

Make the most of it.

However you should be careful for a minor accident could spoil it.

Patience and a softly softly approach to problems will produce far better results and keep you out of trouble.

Year of the HORSE (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990)

There will not be enough hours in the day for you this year.

Your year in 2002 so try to pace yourself.

A number of obstacles will be put in the way of your work or business.

Stand back, and take a different view of the problems and you will see how to beat them.

Year of the SHEEP or GOAT (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991)

Power, position and popularity are your buzzwords.

Voluntary work involving a research project will be successful.

If you have some musical talent then now is the time to try it out on the public.

Year of the MONKEY (1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992)

Hold your tongue and avoid confrontation and you will survive the year without any major disasters.

Your home life may be dogged with disputes, but at least you will have the Year of the Horse to look forward to.

Year of the ROOSTER (1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993)

Is that long journey really necessary? It could prove injurious to your health.

Don't believe everything you hear on the grapevine, especially if it comes from an unexpected source.

Check out the facts before you come to a decision.

Year of the DOG (1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994)

Not a bad year for you.

You should take note of advice and tips.

Plans will be much more successful if you hold them back until next year.

Rest and enjoy your home life.

Year of the PIG or BOAR (1923, 1935, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995)

Travel, speculation and the opposite sex will give you an uneasy year.

Some scandal or malicious gossip will surface to do with a member of your family, which will give you some heartache.

It could cause a run on your finances, but all will be well by the end of the year.