A mum who has hid behind the hair loss condition alopecia for the last 20 years has bravely revealed a secret compulsion to tear out her own hair that has tormented her since she was a child .

A mother-of-one has revealed how a neighbour’s friend ‘mauled’ her face, leaving her scarred for life .

An adorable red squirrel says goodbye to the summer as he shelters from the rain underneath a small blue umbrella .

It's incredible to think anyone could live in such horrendous squalor - yet two men have been prosecuted for keeping their homes in such revolting conditions that it was no longer fit for their animals .

The sun is finally out, bringing a smile to many people’s faces – including this cute little dormouse’s! Grinning from ear to ear, this tiny dormouse appears to have been tickled by something as it clambered up this flower, basking in the sunshine, whilst having a little laugh to himself .

Most people have an angel at the top of their Christmas tree, but one bear at Chester Zoo decided he wanted to be the star of the show .

A young polar bear cub becomes the yogi bear as she stretches off for a morning aerobics session .

With an abandoned tricycle sitting in an empty corridor, this derelict but once grand mansion could be the setting for The Shining .

A diving guide leaves a shark completely docile and balanced in the palm of his hand .

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 .

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

A woman with an irrational fear of toilets goes POTTY on the loo and runs away when she flushes, terrified it will swallow her up .