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. Two years ago the Waite family received a grant from Leicestershire County Council to transform their home into a respite centre for severely disabled foster children. But after a dispute arose with the builder over the £75,000 extension to their three bedroom house in Leicestershire, Mark Waite, 44, and his wife Clair, 39, now face losing everything they have worked for. The couple, who represent the third generation in a 100-year family tradition of fostering disabled children, have had to sell all their furniture and clothes on ebay to pay solicitor's fees and say they now face total ruin. They say the council has "left them out in the cold" over the legal wrangle, leaving them responsible for tens of thousands of pounds of debt which will almost certainly result in them ending up on the streets with their two children.
A quiet Himalayan mountain village springs to life for a colourful Buddhist festival designed to expel evil spirits and bring happiness .
With luminous colours and alien- like features, these magical mushrooms look like they belong on another planet .
SPLASHING in the water and fighting in-between rocks, these energetic tigers enjoy their fun-filled morning .
FROM THE world famous Girl with a Pearl Earring painting to a jaguar in the grass, these incredible drawings are created from coloured ballpoint pens .
THIS LITTLE squirrel tries to keep himself snug as snow starts to fall around him .
STARING intently into the camera, a polar bear appears to be lost in thought while relaxing in the snow .
STARING eagerly into the camera, this little toad is full of curiosity .
IN a galaxy far, far away, this collection of stunning interstellar formations will leave you STARSTRUCK .
UNDERWATER and above-water seaside shots show the best of British beach-life .
From vibrant blues to dazzling oranges, these eye catching hummingbirds proudly show off their impressive colours .