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.
CLIMBING, falling and tugging on his weary mum, this little orangutan is up to all kinds of trouble .
With one hand rested on his belly and the other propping his head up, this lazy lizard takes an afternoon break .
WEARING tiny Christmas accessories, these adorable babies get into the spirit of the season .
AN American accountant has grown the world's biggest MELON and smashed his way into the record books with his mammoth 350 .
Full of tired and busy commuters, these underground stations are rarely admired for their architecture or beauty .
ARM extended and head flung back, this little chipmunk performs a loose-limbed yoga move .
AN ADORABLE one-eyed kitten has been dubbed the 'pirate cat' because of his pirate-like facial expressions .
This is the moment a nimble red fox and a lumbering Alaskan brown bear were locked in a tense stand-off .
EAGERLY BITING his nails, this little squirrel is clearly nervous of looming predators as he searches for his meal .
SHOWING off her best assets for the camera, this cheeky orangutan is in the mood for love, puckering up her lips to blow the biggest kiss she can .
This hungry white tiger has just one thing on her mind - to taste fresh meat .
Splashing around in the water, a mother otter and her son are tangled in a family feud .