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.
Sprawled out on top of a log, this sleeping leopard takes a relaxing break from his daily routine .
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 .
SPARKLING bright inside their box, it’s hard to believe these diamonds are made from the cremated remains of the deceased .
WITH the phosphorescent blobs and mesmerising patterns, these spectacular images may look like the hall marks of an enchanted forest but it is in fact the scene of thousands of dancing FIREFLIES .
TUGGING at his exhausted mum's ears, a beautiful baby orangutan refuses to settle for a nap as he begins a game of peek-a-boo .
SAILING peacefully across a river in the early morning light, a fisherman in China keeps a 1000 year old tradition alive .
A cheeky owl fancies a game of hide and seek as it peeps out from behind a tree .
THESE kaleidoscopic-like photographs capture England’s churches and cathedrals in all their glory .
GETTING behind the camera, this monkey practices his photography skills on his friends .
A SERENE turquoise glow glimmers from underneath these powerful icebergs .
A pair of adorable polar bear cubs play-fight with each other in the Alaskan snow .
