Animal rescue volunteers have told how a cat riddled with cancer was forced to ripped off its own ears after it was abandoned by its owners. Poor Victoria was so ravaged by cancer that she had torn off her own ears by the time she was discovered wandering the streets by a passer-by distraught at her obvious plight. At first it was thought she had been mauled by a dog but on closer inspection by a vet it became clear the pain of the tumours had been so severe the little black and white cat had made a desperate bid to escape the agony. Victoria was found walking the streets of Newent, Gloucs., and handed over to charity workers at the New Start Cat Rescue Centre who took her in and paid for an operation on her ears. It is costing them thousands of pounds to rehabilitate her but volunteers there say the affectionate feline deserves a new chance at life..
From vivid greens to glowing pinks, the colours of the aurora borealis fill the night sky above a snow covered Lapland .
ROLLING around in the snow, these young brown bears take a break from their play fight to share a tender hug with one another .
WITH their robotic movements and pristine uniforms, these are the sexy traffic girls of North Korea that are becoming iconic figures in the secretive state .
A photographer has captured stunning photographs of the Milky Way above picturesque landscapes in the UK and Italy .
PERCHING on top of a gate, this young barn swallow waits patiently for his mum to return with dinner .
A makeup artist from the West Midlands magically transforms herself into famous cartoon characters using body paint .
As sunlight cascades through its vibrant stained glass windows, every inch of the Nasir-ol-Mulk Mosque bursts with colour .
SNUGGLING up against their teddy bears, these baby sloths could easily be mistaken for one of the cuddly toys .
With one hand rested on his belly and the other propping his head up, this lazy lizard takes an afternoon break .
WIDE EYED with a huge smile across her face, this little elephant is a picture of happiness .
Exploding out of the water, a great white shark performs a backflip during a hunt for seals .