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 family of foster carers are facing bankruptcy and homelessness after they signed up to a Government scheme to renovate their house to be used for disabled children's short breaks .
DIPPING his head into the vase of water, this little squirrel takes a refreshing break from an afternoon of eating .
These beautiful photographs show how these playful pods of dolphins make their own fun by gliding, flipping and spinning through the air whilst enjoying the sun on their backs .
Raising his arms above his head and lying flat on his back, a polar bear stretches as he sprawls out across the ice .
The claws come out at meal time as a group of white tailed eagles brawl over road-kill .
An osprey soars through the air at 30 miles per hour before swooping down to catch its prey from a lake .
A brave praying mantis makes an unusual friend in an Oriental garden lizard .
NOT YOUR everyday selfie, this plucky diver poses with some of the scariest predators in the ocean .
Beautiful turquoise waves rise and fall in a series of stunning images taken along the coastline of south-eastern Australia .
A mining town in Australia’s outback appears to be completely deserted, but its residents have escaped the scorching heat by living in underground caves .
STOOD side by side next to a busy road, these buildings were once bustling with life .