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.
LEAPING for joy five-feet above the waves this baby whale cutie is saying HELLO to its family after being lost .
Playing, splashing and generally messing around, these polar bears show they certainly have a soft spot for the water, and not just each other .
If you tune into primetime coverage of the 2012 Olympic Games, you’re most likely going to see London’s new Aquatic Center from many angles as athletes from all around the globe compete for the top spot on the podium .
FULLY equipped with a kitchen and lounge, it's hard to believe this modern holiday let is actually a BUS .
THESE kingfishers prove no rod is needed as they go fishing for their dinner .
From a platter of finger licking chicken wings to a bowl of Chinese noodle soup, these foodie snaps are enough to make your savoury saliva glands drool .
A fox takes a tumble and lands on his head when he tries to fend off a pair of eagles in Japan .
BASKING in smug satisfaction, a confident squirrel gives a wink to the camera .
SPLASHING around in a paddling pool, this little elephant soaks up the sunshine .
Some will get up close and personal with Mother Nature’s deadliest animals to get the perfect shot, posing the question, what lengths will a photographer go to for that all important picture? But in this case, the question should be what depths .
HUDDLED together in the hollow of a tree, it would be easy to overlook these two sleepy owls as they blend into the trunk .
SEA LIFE and greenery in one shot show nature at its very best .