FROM MRS Patmore to Lady Sybil, these barking mad illustrations show the WOOF-er side of some of our most loved Downton characters. The art works entitled 'Houndton Tabby', were designed by illustrator and artist Kim Parkhurst, 39, after she combined her love of drawing and Downton Abbey. 'I've been painting portraits of animals in historical costume for some time,” explains New Yorker Kim. “I've taken some familiar and beloved characters whose demeanour, personality, and appearance seemed to translate to certain breeds of dog or cat. 'I got to thinking about Mr Bates' character and storyline, and Brendan Coyle's facial structure, and how he could look hard but also had the warmest, kindest eyes.
AN ADORABLE one-eyed kitten has been dubbed the 'pirate cat' because of his pirate-like facial expressions .
FLEXING his muscles and staring straight at his opponent, this bodybuilding squirrel is the nuts .
A panic stricken kitten that got her head stuck in a car tyre has been freed by quick thinking RSPCA staff .
An intrepid explorer hopes to be reunited with his travel partner, after his cuddly toy companion was stolen .
COVERING themselves in ash and face paint, these are the holy men who live their lives away from everyday society .
STRIKING photos capture nature at its most raw and powerful during Earth’s most electrifying event .
It’s a role reversal in the Visayan Sea as HUNDREDS of tiny, glistening eggs are carried around inside the mouth of their cardinalfish father .
Swirling water and sand create amazing aerial images of river deltas across Iceland .
This starling and prairie dog will not back down an inch as they have a fearsome stand-off over who gets to eat a nut .
A couple have tied the knot in a spectacular Harry Potter-themed wedding which cost £45,000 .
This is the amazing moment two white-tailed kites take an in-flight meal - exchanging prey at 100 foot high in mid air .
Armed with a snorkel, flippers and her skimpy bikini, an intrepid female free diver swims alongside an array of reef sharks .