A proud stag attempts to impress the females by donning an enormous fern headdress in London's Bushy Park. Pictured at the beginning of rutting season, the stag can barely see through a mass of leaves tangled in his antlers as he parades around a small group of deer. The scene was photographed by accountant Val Saxby during an early morning visit to the park, located in Richmond upon Thames in south-west London. The 55-year-old, of Shaftesbury, Dorset, says: “I spotted the stag with six females amongst an avenue of trees in the park."
PERCHING on top of a gate, this young barn swallow waits patiently for his mum to return with dinner .
A teenage girl nicknamed 'spotty dog' by school bullies has embraced the hundreds of birthmarks that cover her entire face and body .
IT'S the iconic TV show that influenced a whole generation in the 1990s .
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 .
BLOWING bubbles underwater, this adorable polar bear slides into his tank for a playful dip .
SLEEPING within touching distance of wild African animals might not be everyone's idea of a relaxing break .
THIS astonishing film shows the moment a hit-and-run driver ploughed into a woman and a toddler on a Coventry street .
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 .
WITHOUT a care in the world, this little chimpanzee shows off her gymnastic skills as she swings around her enclosure .
HUDDLED together on a branch, a pair of adorable Javan scops owls soak up the sun .
WIDE EYED and staring straight down the lens of the camera, this intrigued seal is ready for his close up .
FLOATING effortlessly on his back, this little otter laps up a rare glimmer of English spring sunshine .