Some parents would gasp at the thought of their children playing with a toy gun, but these Russian children are actually encouraged to take up real arms .

A northern potoo shows it is a master of disguise as it perches on a tree stump and blends into the bark .

SOME OF the sea’s most terrifying creatures show their softer side as they join a group of diners for lunch .

An Australian beach is illuminated by an enticing neon blue glow as a rare phenomenon lights up the water .

Kevin Silva, 52 from Indiana in the USA, has spent an estimated £65K ($100K) on Batman trinkets over the years, and even keeps his 2,500-item haul in his very own basement 'Bat Cave' .

A PENSIONER was left with a fractured jaw after being beaten and robbed outside his home in Birmingham last weekend .

A professional dancer has embraced her individuality after refusing plastic surgery to remove a giant birthmark on her face .

A baby who was given just a three per cent chance of survival at birth has beaten the odds to come home - even though docs told his parents to abort him 12 times .

OPEN mouthed and wide eyed this little squirrel appears startled .

The beds are consumed by moss instead of customers at this abandoned hotel .

STRETCHING his little legs in the air, a smiley leaf-tailed gecko breaks free from his old, scaly skin .

PUSHING the diver out of his way, this little sea turtle shows he’s not in the mood for photographs .