The mayor of a sleepy village in southwest France is stepping up security because of fears of an invasion of people who think the end of the world is nigh.
An ancient prophecy based on the Mayan calendar has led to internet speculation that Bugarach, which is near the Pyrenees, will be the only place left after the apocalypse, which some are predicting will happen on December 21 this year.
Followers believe a nearby mountain has magic powers and are convinced UFOs will rescue them and take them to safety.
Villagers appear not to be too concerned about claims of impending doom.
Many said they were doubtful that extra-terrestrials would be coming to pluck survivors to safety.
'I think it's a big load of nonsense. I don't think there are UFOs within the Bugarach mountain,' said local rubbish collector Jean-Luc Billard...
Australia
United States
