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.
COURAGEOUS CLIMBERS scale frozen waterfalls in Canada, as the ice threatens to collapse beneath them .
THIS is the shocking moment a clumsy radio newsreader plunged into a freezing canal while texting her boyfriend instead of looking where she was going .
A US firefighter has battled osteoarthritis and four hip replacements to break the world paddleboarding record .
A SHOCKING cartoon of a black man carrying bags saying‘’zippadydoohdah zip-up immigrant bags’ has appeared in a shop window and is being investigated by police .
A pair of chicks bravely decided to befriend a python, despite being the snake's favourite choice of food .
THE THOUGHT OF BECOMING shipwrecked on a remote destination would fill most holidaymakers with dread .
AN OLD ENGLISH cottage packed full of history and valuables has been left to rot .
BALANCING on top of a tree, this bear cub puts her climbing skills to the test .
FROM motorcycling to department store shopping these spookily faceless people are part of the Chinese-fad for wearing protective solar-visors in public .
A DETERMINED great blue heron holds on tightly to its prey as the furry gopher attempts to wriggle free .
AN EXERCISING turtle and an ice-skating chick are hardly everyday exploits in the animal community .
BOXING DAY has come early for this pair of feisty squirrels, as their Christmas party quickly turns sour .