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.
YOU’VE heard of the northern lights now feast your eyes on the natural wonder of the SOUTHERN lights .
STRETCHING his little legs in the air, a smiley leaf-tailed gecko breaks free from his old, scaly skin .
A striped marlin means business as it spots lunch and spears a small fish .
THESE kingfishers prove no rod is needed as they go fishing for their dinner .
Families in an Indian slum put their lives on the line by living on top of an ACTIVE railway track .
Lying angelically with a range of expressions etched on their tiny faces, little bundles of joy are innocently captured in their first few days in these adorable photographs .
A SERENE turquoise glow glimmers from underneath these powerful icebergs .
This was the chaotic scene when the driver of a 4x4 vehicle became periously trapped under his vehicle for an HOUR when it overturned after a crash on a busy motorway .
NOT YOUR everyday selfie, this plucky diver poses with some of the scariest predators in the ocean .
A BLIND man was battered with a brick in a sickening attack by two thugs .
SURROUNDED by a snowstorm, these young polar bears battle the elements - as well as each other .
With one hand rested on his belly and the other propping his head up, this lazy lizard takes an afternoon break .