These are the fascinating pictures of miniature table sculptures molded around bonsai trees that take up to a painstaking 18 months to create. Japanese illustrator Takanori Aiba, 58, has built the intriguing scale models of windmills, lighthouses and even the Michelin Man.He delicately uses craft paper, plaster, acrylic resin, paint and plastic to create the host of sprawling miniature communities that wrap around the tiny trees.Following his work as an illustrator for Japanese fashion magazine POPYE he has spent the last nine years producing the detailed mini worlds.The creations take at least three months to construct with his Ice Cream Package Tower taking an astonishing 18 months work. Since 2003, he has made eight models, with 10 more planned over the next few years.
Scurrying along the branch of a tree, a little squirrel pushes a pram packed full of Easter treats .
INSIDE Britain's last Naval hospital where scurvy was cured looks like an NHS time capsule .
A DETERMINED great blue heron holds on tightly to its prey as the furry gopher attempts to wriggle free .
BLOWING bubbles underwater, this adorable polar bear slides into his tank for a playful dip .
A mother has spoken of her outrage after discovering her missing cat had been stolen - only to be told she cannot have its location due to the Data Protection Act .
FLOATING effortlessly on his back, this little otter laps up a rare glimmer of English spring sunshine .
The San Antonio Zoo in Texas has welcomed a bizarre new addition - a two-headed turtle named Thelma and Louise .
HIDING behind its flipper, this little seal comes over a little camera shy .
An Indonesian farmer is dragged through muddy water as he clings to the tails of two charging cows .
Bryanna Debinder, 20, from Pennsylvania in the USA, has lost 7 stone in order to impress her idol .