CARRYING a fully grown goat on his back, this five-year-old boy is a child shepherd in the mountains of northern Ethiopia. Away from modern civilization, children living in the Simien Mountains spend their gruelling days herding, or carrying, animals and walking miles through the rocky terrain. From the age of five these children are responsible for goats and sheep in the highlands and when they do rest, the boys and girls are schooled in classrooms made from mud, rocks and wood. German photographer Mario Gerth trekked 3,000 metres up the Ethiopian mountain range to visit this group of Tigray people and their hardy children and witness their unorthodox lifestyle.
ROLLING around in the snow, these young brown bears take a break from their play fight to share a tender hug with one another .
SOARING through the air, a hungry white-tailed kite prepares to snatch a vole from his mother’s claws .
PUSHING the diver out of his way, this little sea turtle shows he’s not in the mood for photographs .
MOUTH OPEN wide, this little stoat appears to be in mid-song as he belts out a tune for his onlookers .
A hypnotherapist filmed himself sexually abusing a 19-year-old patient while she was in a trance-like state .
A panic stricken kitten that got her head stuck in a car tyre has been freed by quick thinking RSPCA staff .
With the vivid red smoke billowing into the sky amid the misty sand dunes, these are the blissful views provided at the break of dawn at a volcano .
An adorable black bear cub struggles to find the perfect spot for an afternoon nap as he wriggles around on the branch of a maple tree .
A couple celebrated tying the knot with a spectacular Alice in Wonderland-themed wedding reception .
LOCATIONS bursting with vibrant greens and chestnut browns, these photographs capture the peaceful English countryside in all its glory .
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 .