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 teacher has told how she was attacked by a murderer on her way home from a night out but courageously managed to charm him out of strangling her .

WITHOUT a care in the world, this little chimpanzee shows off her gymnastic skills as she swings around her enclosure .

A little girl who lost all four limbs to meningitis has taken her first steps since the illness thanks to her new 'Princess legs' .

An Indonesian farmer is dragged through muddy water as he clings to the tails of two charging cows .

A middle-aged couple from Somerset have developed a rather unusual hobby to occupy their time: writing to killers on death row .

A baby sperm whale assumed the role of a friendly giant when faced with two awestruck divers .

A Hereford woman has lost 10st 3lbs after ditching her £260-a-month takeaway habit .

FROM MRS Patmore to Lady Sybil, these barking mad illustrations show the WOOF-er side of some of our most loved Downton characters .

A loving daughter has set up a Facebook page in a desperate plea to strangers, to donate a kidney to her dying mum .

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 .

A BLIND school-girl whose growth has been stunted by a rare medical condition is finding her feet again with the help of a specially made mini-cane .