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.
LYING flat out on his back, this little meerkat makes the most of the English sunshine .
Leaping out of the ocean, a group of gentoo penguins fly through the air before landing safely on an iceberg .
THIS may look like a dolphin through jumping hoops, but it is in fact nothing more than a clever 3D pencil drawing .
This cheeky chappie is getting into all kinds of monkey business as he enjoys cooling off on a scorching hot day .
PAWS for thought as you feast your eyes on this rare bear bathing session .
SPARKLING bright inside their box, it’s hard to believe these diamonds are made from the cremated remains of the deceased .
Here's a APPY solution that should brighten up a wet weekend away camping - a wood powered stove that also recharges your smartphone .
Soldiers standing guard outside the Woolwich barracks in London - Two terror suspects are under armed guard in separate hospitals in London after a serving soldier was hacked to death in the street .
NEW DELHI, A woman activist of India's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party crosses a police barricade near the residence of ruling Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi during a protest against the recent rape of a five-year-old girl in New Delhi, India, April 21, 2013 .
A US firefighter has battled osteoarthritis and four hip replacements to break the world paddleboarding record .
A toddler has shrugged off death an incredible 10 times thanks to his parents who revive him with the kiss of life every two weeks .
Playing, splashing and generally messing around, these polar bears show they certainly have a soft spot for the water, and not just each other .