2008 is the year of the rat, according to the Chinese hororscope. However, most Russians will be calling it the year of the mouse. And citizens of the town of “Mouse”, 250km north of Moscow, are hoping to make a fortune because of that. The

Some call 2008 the year of the mouse, others say it's the year of the rat. But for one town in Russia, there is no dispute. In Myshkin (or the city of the Mouse) residents insist that it doesn't matter.  After all, they say, a rat is a simply a fat and well-fed mouse.

These little animals often cause panic and fear. But in this town they are figures of worship.

In Myshkin, rodents are put on a pedestal.  They are not viewed as disease-carrying pests.

Crafts workers sew, cast, mould and sculpt models of mice as souvenirs.

Myshkin has the only Museum of the Mouse in the world, and the town expects the furry mammal to deliver a tourist bonanza, beginning on New Year's Eve.

The museum's director, Lubov Grechukhina, says all the inhabitants of the town have been waiting for this moment for a dozen years.

“That's because once in twelve years our town becomes the centre of the globe. We will be the hub of the Universe!” Grechukhina said.

And some residents believe a mouse in the house is something to be proud of.

“You can only find a mouse in a well-to-do place. If a house is poor a mouse will never come to it,” blacksmith Dmitry Igumnov said.

The mouse has symbolic significance too, both here and elsewhere. In Japan it's known as a companion for the god of happiness.

Astrologers say next year is a good one to begin a new job, get married and make a fresh start.

People who live in the mouse-loving town of Myshkin on the banks of the Volga River hope their sacred animal will bring them every success in the New Year.