While most Brits look forward to long hot summer days, a mum-of-six will be staying in the shade - as she is allergic to the sun. Laura Martindale, 26, suffers from a severe allergic reaction called Actinic Prurigo, which causes her skin to burn and break out in a rash when exposed to UVA and UVB light. At home, the full-time mum keeps the curtains and blinds closed during the day, and when she steps outside, she is forced to wear long sleeved tops and gloves, as well as high factor 50 suncream.
PAWS for thought as you feast your eyes on this rare bear bathing session .
ROLLING across a 65-metre-high viaduct in the Alps, the red carriages of the Bernina Express add a splash of colour to the spectacular snow-covered Swiss surroundings .
THESE LOVE BIRDS can’t keep their beaks off each other as they share a very public display of affection .
LUMINOUS green rocks could easily be a beach from Superman's homeland of Krypton .
WITH SNOW COVERING the ground around them, these two polar bears play fight .
VENTURING into the ocean with self-made spears and nets, the fishermen of Zanzibar put their lives on the line when they catch food for their families .
Splashing around in the water, a mother otter and her son are tangled in a family feud .
RESTING his weary head on his flipper, this little seal pup takes a much needed nap after an afternoon of strenuous yoga .
An adorable orangutan named Pongo celebrates his first birthday at Zoo Atlanta, Georgia, America .
FROM MRS Patmore to Lady Sybil, these barking mad illustrations show the WOOF-er side of some of our most loved Downton characters .
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 .