Odd bets announced by bookies

As is traditional with the prospect of a new year, bookmakers in the UK have announced a series of available bets on odd events happening in 2005.

After a year of controversy, punters can bet on a lighter side of politics – how about 66-1 on Prime Minister Tony Blair growing a moustache? William Hill make this just as unlikely as President George W Bush quitting in the new year.

Other unusual bets inevitably centre on the world of celebrity, including Posh and Becks expecting another baby or even a chance of divorce.

The other British royal family are also featured, Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles are 12-1 to wed, while Prince Harry - dating Chelsy Davy - is 25-1 to announce his engagement.

A spokesman for the bookies said: 'We like to indulge ourselves with some odds for events but invariably customers come up with wacky ideas of their own.'

They include Arthur Best, who will collect £6,600 on January 2 over a £100 bet in 1995 that he would live to 100.