WIDE EYED and staring straight down the lens of the camera, this intrigued seal is ready for his close up .

HOTSPOT MEDIA - FUNKY BUMP: FROM MIRROR bellies to rainbow bumps these pregnancy casts of stone and bronze could be the funkiest way to preserve your bump for posterity .

A puppy bit off more than he could chew when he stole a six inch Chinese spare rib from his owner and swallowed it WHOLE, Cheeky Staffordshire bull terrier Rossi had his life SPARED when he underwent a life-saving operation to remove the bone from his stomach after swiping part of the takeaway meal .

N evil mugger who battered a Birmingham old soldier and fled with just £40 has been jailed for nine years .

Jostling their quills into the noses of some unlucky cubs, this is the moment two feisty porcupines ALMOST defeat a pride of seven lions .

An Italian photographer travelled to northern India where he visited poverty stricken suburbs and captured ordinary people in a series of intimate and expressive portraits .

SOARING through the air, this is the moment a hungry tawny owl arrives home with dinner .

FROM motorcycling to department store shopping these spookily faceless people are part of the Chinese-fad for wearing protective solar-visors in public .

A woman has told how she fled to Australia, after a one night stand burned down her house .

A professional dancer has embraced her individuality after refusing plastic surgery to remove a giant birthmark on her face .

A hero dog has saved the life of her asthmatic owner after waking her up during a severe asthma attack .

Pint- size Maci Winters only has one wish this Christmas - to be as tall as the other boys and girls on the school playground .