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.
SAILING peacefully across a river in the early morning light, a fisherman in China keeps a 1000 year old tradition alive .
SNUGGLING up against their teddy bears, these baby sloths could easily be mistaken for one of the cuddly toys .
This frozen lighthouse in Michigan could easily be mistaken for a still from the snow swept disaster movie The Day After Tomorrow .
THIS DANGER-mad female pensioner could be the oldest Brit to cage dive with CROCODILES .
These beautiful photographs show how these playful pods of dolphins make their own fun by gliding, flipping and spinning through the air whilst enjoying the sun on their backs .
RAISING his flipper, this two day old seal pup gives a wave to the camera .
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 .
VIBRANT bursts of colour fill the screen as beautiful flowers blossom in these time-lapse videos .
An Australian beach is illuminated by an enticing neon blue glow as a rare phenomenon lights up the water .
ARM extended and head flung back, this little chipmunk performs a loose-limbed yoga move .
This cheeky chappie is getting into all kinds of monkey business as he enjoys cooling off on a scorching hot day .
SOME OF the sea’s most terrifying creatures show their softer side as they join a group of diners for lunch .