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.
These uninvited guests ELEPHANTLY make their annual trip through the reception of this welcoming lodge .
These are the amazing close up pictures of North Korea's mass games - after photographers were previously banned from taking shots so close to the dazzling formation dances .
SITTING quietly at the edge of the lake, these two baby bears watch and learn as the adults hunt for fish .
Say cheese! This cheeky chappy isn’t in the mood to live up to his scary reputation as he is pictured here cracking a killer smile as he goes about his daily business .
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 .
THIS BIGFOOT 'Jesus bird' may look silly, but he's perfectly designed for walking on water .
A Canadian couple celebrated their engagement by recreating iconic moments from the film The Notebook .
SQUABBLING over the last piece of grain, these hungry squirrels are determined to stock up on as much food as possible .
AN EXERCISING turtle and an ice-skating chick are hardly everyday exploits in the animal community .
A US firefighter has battled osteoarthritis and four hip replacements to break the world paddleboarding record .
WITH STUNNING colours and serene scenes, these photographs capture the otherworldly beauty of the English coast .