12:34:56 7/8/9; Once-in-century date brings fears of doom.

Byline: DAVID COLLINS

IT'S a once-in-a-century moment...and some people are finding it a little spooky.

Today, during lunch, the time and date will read 12:34:56 7/8/9.

But the event has had doom merchants predicting all sorts of grim outcomes, from the birth of Satan to the end of the world.

At least eight Facebook groups have been dedicated to the numerical moment, including one named WHOO! Party Like It's 12:34:56 07/08/09.

Member Stuart Robertson announced bleakly: "Planes will fall from the sky." They clearly haven't taken into account that the date and time configuration has happened before, the last in 1909, and the world didn't end. But Troy Peters and Katie Barfoot are hoping there is no truth to the rumours.

The couple are getting married at 12.30 today. Katie, 26, of Peterborough, Cambs, said: "I wanted it to be an easy date for Troy to remember our anniversary. But we realised the time and date will read 123456789.

The numerical wonder will take place during our wedding."

Numerologist Sonia Ducie believes the figures represent a new start - and could even spell the end of the recession.

She said: "The numbers represent a full cycle. We're coming to the end of something and are ready to start afresh. The recession has been dragging on but house prices are starting to pick up, and there's hope for the economy. We're moving on." So there you go, our number's not up, after all.

FRIDAY 13TH

Friday the 13th is the traditional unlucky date, first mentioned in the mid-19th century. Fear of it is called paraskavedekatriaphobia.

Y2K 

A computer meltdown was predicted for the year 2000 - dubbed the millennium bug. Others said it would mark the second coming.

CAPTION(S):

WE'RE WEDDY Troy and Katie prepare to tie the knot with a reminder of the date and time on their computer