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.
AN EXERCISING turtle and an ice-skating chick are hardly everyday exploits in the animal community .
An elegant snowy owl spreads her wings and glides effortlessly above the snow covered field .
FROM A mini table and chairs to a detailed violin, it’s hard to believe these incredible sculptures are all carved into the nib of PENCILS .
A mum-of-three lost half of her body weight after her daughter was teased by playground bullies for having a 'fat mum' .
Growing up, Jasmine Price, now four, loved watching her older sister, Mia Price, now 10, compete in beauty pageants .
A hero dog has saved the life of her asthmatic owner after waking her up during a severe asthma attack .
WOMB STROKE SURVIVOR AMAZES DOCS BY TAKING FIRST STEPS - A little girl who suffered a catastrophic stroke in the womb which would have killed an adult has stunned the medical world by learning to walk, talk and see .
AN American accountant has grown the world's biggest MELON and smashed his way into the record books with his mammoth 350 .
Balanced on one leg, a frog assumes the crane kick martial arts stance made famous in the movie The Karate Kid .
A brave praying mantis makes an unusual friend in an Oriental garden lizard .
SNUGGLED up in the hay away from the elements, this adorable hoglet has sought solace with a familiar friend .
SNUGGLING up against their teddy bears, these baby sloths could easily be mistaken for one of the cuddly toys .