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. Military sports club, ‘Berkut’, (meaning golden eagle), trains up tiny Vlads and Boris’, who dream of joining the elite units of the Russian army and fighting under the command of President Vladimir Putin. Pictured on their website brandishing a hand gun, is a young boy, dressed in military fatigues with his finger over the trigger. Children as young a five are sent on forced marches, given battlefield training, taught hand to hand combat, and how to use military equipment. 12 year olds are also taught to fire Kalashnikov assault rifles and other small arms. During the clubs regular camps some children are given the opportunity to parachute jump during their paratrooper training. The club based in Zhukovsky, Russia, claims to provide military training designed to develop the younger generation of the “motherland” - a term synonymous with the former Soviet Union and the communist rule of the last century.
A woman with a rare allergy to water has told how the condition is so severe it prevents her from KISSING her fiance .
A diabetic who was addicted to energy drinks has lost 8st after doctors warned her habit was blinding her .
A cricket perches on an unusual seat after crawling up the snout of a crocodile .
This is the amazing moment two white-tailed kites take an in-flight meal - exchanging prey at 100 foot high in mid air .
This longhorn beetle demon-strates a dark side as it looks just like the devil .
SHOVELLING food into his mouth, this hungry gorilla enjoys a peaceful moment at dinner time .
A lively lemon shark grins into the camera and showcases his impressive teeth .
A woman has lost a massive 15st after beating her addiction to cheese .
FROM a HOLLYWOOD actress to the face of an innocent child, these are incredible drawings with an unlikely twist .
A blanket of fog is lit up by the colourful glowing lights of the city below .
FLAUNTING its new accessory, a fashionable green dumpy tree frog poses for the camera while wearing a SNAIL as a hat .
Vikki Jose, 26 loves nothing more than lavishing gifts on her loved ones at Christmas time .