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.
A DETERMINED great blue heron holds on tightly to its prey as the furry gopher attempts to wriggle free .
SURROUNDED by a snowstorm, these young polar bears battle the elements - as well as each other .
THIS alien-like bug would look more at home in outer-space but it can actually be found wriggling around here on Earth .
From foster care to the MAGICAL world of cosplay, a young girl’s dreams become reality after being adopted by a photography loving couple .
BASKING in smug satisfaction, a confident squirrel gives a wink to the camera .
AN American accountant has grown the world's biggest MELON and smashed his way into the record books with his mammoth 350 .
Playing, splashing and generally messing around, these polar bears show they certainly have a soft spot for the water, and not just each other .
A floating market in Indonesia is bursting with vibrant colours as wooden rowing boats loaded with fruit and vegetables crowd the river .
FLAUNTING its new accessory, a fashionable green dumpy tree frog poses for the camera while wearing a SNAIL as a hat .
A terrified moose, trapped in a frozen lake, bobs her head above the icey water and awaits her rescue .
TRYING their best to wriggle away, three adorable tiger cubs receive their health checks at Chester Zoo .
WITH the mystical clouds forming a thick blanket and the electrifying lights below, these stunning pictures provide a unique view of the cityscape of Dubai taken from the tallest building in the world .