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 photographer has captured spellbinding images of stars swirling above the English countryside .
DASHING through the snow, this little stoat is on the lookout for a Christmas feast .
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 .
A small Indian monkey is seemingly gob-smacked after reading the latest stock market news .
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 .
HEART-MELTING shots of a French bulldog and a ten-month-old French baby could be the cutest you’re likely to see .
Fishermen in Myanmar have perfected an unusual fishing technique by carefully balancing on one leg .
BEAUTIFULLY lit by the dim glow of lanterns, a cave in Iceland is transformed into the perfect wedding venue .
FLYING through the air, these delighted pooches pull their best poses mid-flight .
BOXING DAY has come early for this pair of feisty squirrels, as their Christmas party quickly turns sour .
IN THE not so MISTY MOUNTAINS of Wiltshire, there lies an abandoned hobbit house .
NEVER mind being careful not to choke on your food, this mother bird has a bigger challenge on her hands, as her ravenous offspring impatiently launches its head down into her stomach .