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.
Surveying its surroundings, a tiny harvest mouse climbs the stem of a dandelion .
A photographer has captured spellbinding images of stars swirling above the English countryside .
FROM a Kung-Fu professional to a mini incredible hulk, these are the babies you wouldn't want to mess with .
TRYING their best to wriggle away, three adorable tiger cubs receive their health checks at Chester Zoo .
LYING flat out on his back, this little meerkat makes the most of the English sunshine .
WITHOUT A care in the world, this little snow monkey puts his feet up and settles in for a snooze .
These adorable pictures show the moment two cuddly red panda cubs take their first look at the outside world and are weighed for the very first time .
HOPPING onto the scales, these adorable baby Humboldt penguins are ready for their first weigh-in .
SNEAKING slowly into the water, this Bengal tiger plans a vicious attack on three unsuspecting deer .
ROLLING up snow in its tiny paws, this little squirrel is looking for a snowball fight .
