Journalist Vikki Thomas is waiting to see if her future really is in her hands, after having her palms read by a local expert.

Vikki, chief reporter at the Sutton Guardian, visited Carolina Starre to find out more about palmistry - or chiromancy, as the practice of predicting the future based on the lines on the palms is officially known.

Vikki spoke to her about her training and psychic ability and quizzed her about past prediction successes before letting Carolina loose on her own hands.

The journalist had previously visited a medium while working for another paper in 2003, but admits that none of the predictions she heard then have so far come true.

Vikki said: "I could not wait to find out what secrets were held in my palm.

"The criss-cross lines and swirling patterns had always seemed useless and could not tell me anything I wanted or needed to know.

"But by taking my hand, Carolina was able to trace the furrows and tell me what each of the lines meant."

Recounting the experience in the paper, she told readers: "When she said I had a strong relationship line, I must admit that I breathed a sigh of relief and felt I had been vindicated from life as a spinster.

"She also said I would have children and am quite a creative person.

"Most people assume only the dominant hand, the one you write with, will be read but Carolina looked at both of mine and explained that to see the whole person, she had to take both hands into account.

"When it came to a description of my personality I felt she was entirely accurate.

"There was nothing she mentioned which was untrue, including past skeletons, and she was more than willing to respond to all my questions.

"Carolina believes I will feel slightly frustrated with my life in my 30s but feels that it will take off when I reach 40.

"Perhaps a little disappointing that I still have 15 years to go before I can reap the benefits but at least it is something I can look forward to."