A family of foster carers are facing bankruptcy and homelessness after they signed up to a Government scheme to renovate their house to be used for disabled children's short breaks. Two years ago the Waite family received a grant from Leicestershire County Council to transform their home into a respite centre for severely disabled foster children. But after a dispute arose with the builder over the £75,000 extension to their three bedroom house in Leicestershire, Mark Waite, 44, and his wife Clair, 39, now face losing everything they have worked for. The couple, who represent the third generation in a 100-year family tradition of fostering disabled children, have had to sell all their furniture and clothes on ebay to pay solicitor's fees and say they now face total ruin. They say the council has "left them out in the cold" over the legal wrangle, leaving them responsible for tens of thousands of pounds of debt which will almost certainly result in them ending up on the streets with their two children.
A young otter wades through a lake with his eyes set on an older rival’s fish .
STARING eagerly into the camera, this little toad is full of curiosity .
Grandmother Janet Kirby was told she couldn't board her plane home after being accused of assault .
LEAF-ing much to the imagination, this camera trickery is blooming marvellous .
A soap bubble lands on the frosty ground and creates a shimmering snow globe as crystals form around it .
THE THOUGHT OF BECOMING shipwrecked on a remote destination would fill most holidaymakers with dread .
SAT with his arms folded and a cross look on his face, this Gorilla looks like he's had enough of the Christmas holidays already .
These beautiful photographs show how these playful pods of dolphins make their own fun by gliding, flipping and spinning through the air whilst enjoying the sun on their backs .
A German photographer travelled around Africa where he met and photographed members of tribes in a series of intimate portraits .
WITH SNOW COVERING the ground around them, these two polar bears play fight .
The view from this rooftop pool is sure to make most holidaymakers envious .
COVERING themselves in ash and face paint, these are the holy men who live their lives away from everyday society .