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 group of otters put on a show of aqua aerobics, as they raise their flippers perfectly in sync .
Gigantic 100ft waves create the perfect playground for dare-devil surfers from across the world .
SAILING peacefully across a river in the early morning light, a fisherman in China keeps a 1000 year old tradition alive .
LEAF-ing much to the imagination, this camera trickery is blooming marvellous .
THESE kingfishers prove no rod is needed as they go fishing for their dinner .
A pair of adorable polar bear cubs play-fight with each other in the Alaskan snow .
CLIMBING, falling and tugging on his weary mum, this little orangutan is up to all kinds of trouble .
FLOATING effortlessly on his back, this little otter laps up a rare glimmer of English spring sunshine .
From giant mountains to vast deserts, an American photographer spent a year capturing the diverse and beautiful landscape of the United States .
SOARING at 112 miles per hour through the air, this petite blonde certainly lives up to her title as the fastest flying woman in the world .
