Your search:
68 result(s) in 0.18 s
-
DUKAS_15976858_REX
World's biggest skateboard, California, America - 14 Oct 2010
Mandatory Credit: Photo by California Skateparks/Solent / Rex Features ( 1232705j )
Gnarly Ride On The World's Largest Skateboard
Designers have created the world's biggest ever skateboard, measuring a staggering 36ft 7in long.
It is an exact replica of a normal skateboard but is 12 times longer, wider and taller.
The world record-breaking skateboard is so big it has to be fitted with racing tyres from a car and transported on a flat bed truck.
It cost over GBP 12,600 to make, weighs 260 stones and can be ridden by up to ten people at a time.
Three people spent one month making the board from steel, wood and grip tape at California Skateparks.
Joe Ciaglia, a director of the park, designed the board, which measures 3ft 7in tall and 8ft wide.
The huge board has been certified by the Guinness Book Of World Records as the World's Largest Skateboard.
Joe said: "The board is about fun - it was fun to build, it is fun to ride and it is fun to see everyone's reaction to it."
MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: California Skateparks / Solent / Rex Features
For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/QTPZYWNPK (FOTO:DUKAS/REX)
DUKAS/REX -
DUKAS_15963708_REX
Vulture and jackal fight over food, Drakensburg National Park, South Africa - 25 Sept 2010
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Michael Hofmeyr/Solent News / Rex Features ( 1232498h )
Day Of The Jackal
This cheeky jackal was lucky to escape with just a few scratches when she took on a feisty vulture for a scrap of food.
The pair came to blows after the hungry animal spied the three-feet tall bird gnawing on a juicy bone and attempted to dash off with it.
But she obviously didn't bargain for the vulture's fighting spirit.
Determined to keep the tasty treat to itself the bird lashed out with its talons and the jackal was quick to retaliate with her sharp teeth.
Despite nearly losing her eyes in the vicious battle, the jackal's fierce determination paid off and she got to keep the stolen bone.
The spectacular sight was snapped by Michael Hofmeyr as he hiked with his wife in the Drakensburg National Park, South Africa.
The 37-year-old bird enthusiast, who lives in Johannesburg, said it was the first time he'd witnessed such a brawl between the two species.
He said: "We were watching the vulture picking on some bones when we noticed the jackal sneaking up on the vulture from behind a ridge.
"The jackal appeared nervous and came and went two or three times before deciding to have a go.
"When the jackal finally plucked up the courage he made a lightning dash for the bone that the vulture was busy with.
"But the bird was in no way prepared to relinquish it and a fight ensued. At first the vulture appeared to be getting the upper hand by going for the jackal's eyes.
"But the jackal spun around and bit the vulture several times, after which the vulture let go of the bone and flapped away.
"The jackal appeared unharmed and ran off. The vulture initially looked slightly the worse for wear but he managed to fly away."
Mr Hofmeyr, who works as an I.T. security consultant, added: "I've never seen anything like it before; it's quite an unusual thing...
For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/QTMSJNQCZ
DUKAS/REX -
DUKAS_15396446_REX
Man becomes first person in world to catch 1,000 different species of fish, San Ramon, California, America - 02 Sep 2010
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Steve Wozniak/Bournemouth News / Rex Features ( 1222421x )
The Fishy 1,000 That Failed To Get Away
An ace angler has broken the ultimate fishing record by becoming the first person in the world to catch 1,000 different species of fish.
Steve Wozniak, 47, from from San Ramon, California, has spent 10 years pursuing the astonishing quest that has seen him fish in 63 different countries.
He has spent 20,000 hours on riverbanks, piers, beaches and boats waiting for a bite for fish ranging from a tiny minnow to a 900lbs shark.
Steve has forked out more than GBP 50,000 and racked up over one million air miles criss-crossing the globe with his rod and tackle over the last decade.
The record rodman has fished on every continent bar Antarctica, including places as far reaching as Cambodia to the Isle of Wight.
He has snared virtually every freshwater fish native to Britain and spent two years and GBP 4,000 alone trying to capture an Atlantic salmon in Scotland.
Steve has also broken 12 International Game Fishing Association records along the way and has another five pending.
His mammoth efforts finally paid off when he snared a 2lbs coalfish in a Norwegian fjord to net the record that is being dubbed the 'Cast of a Thousand'.
Steve now intends to temporarily hang up his rod to write a book about his angling adventures.
He said: "It is very humbling to be the only person in the world to catch 1,000 different species of fish.
"It has been an almighty challenge and one where there have been many highs and many lows, like trying to catch a tench fish which seemed to elude me for seven years.
"When I caught the coalfish I think I expected it to be this big fanfare event but I was sat in a boat in a peaceful fjord an hour below the Arctic circle.
"I just sort of sat there with a glow of accomplishment."
Steve caught his first fish at the age...
For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EZY
DUKAS/REX -
DUKAS_15396445_REX
Man becomes first person in world to catch 1,000 different species of fish, San Ramon, California, America - 02 Sep 2010
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Steve Wozniak/Bournemouth News / Rex Features ( 1222421w )
The Fishy 1,000 That Failed To Get Away
An ace angler has broken the ultimate fishing record by becoming the first person in the world to catch 1,000 different species of fish.
Steve Wozniak, 47, from from San Ramon, California, has spent 10 years pursuing the astonishing quest that has seen him fish in 63 different countries.
He has spent 20,000 hours on riverbanks, piers, beaches and boats waiting for a bite for fish ranging from a tiny minnow to a 900lbs shark.
Steve has forked out more than GBP 50,000 and racked up over one million air miles criss-crossing the globe with his rod and tackle over the last decade.
The record rodman has fished on every continent bar Antarctica, including places as far reaching as Cambodia to the Isle of Wight.
He has snared virtually every freshwater fish native to Britain and spent two years and GBP 4,000 alone trying to capture an Atlantic salmon in Scotland.
Steve has also broken 12 International Game Fishing Association records along the way and has another five pending.
His mammoth efforts finally paid off when he snared a 2lbs coalfish in a Norwegian fjord to net the record that is being dubbed the 'Cast of a Thousand'.
Steve now intends to temporarily hang up his rod to write a book about his angling adventures.
He said: "It is very humbling to be the only person in the world to catch 1,000 different species of fish.
"It has been an almighty challenge and one where there have been many highs and many lows, like trying to catch a tench fish which seemed to elude me for seven years.
"When I caught the coalfish I think I expected it to be this big fanfare event but I was sat in a boat in a peaceful fjord an hour below the Arctic circle.
"I just sort of sat there with a glow of accomplishment."
Steve caught his first fish at the age...
For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EZY
DUKAS/REX -
DUKAS_15360359_REX
Rolling Stones themed Monopoly game launched, Britain - 27 Aug 2010
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Solent News / Rex Features ( 1221529r )
Rock And Roll Of The Dice
Rock legends The Rolling Stones are giving fans the chance to go to jail without passing go by releasing their own version of the classic board game Monopoly.
Mick Jagger and co will hope to get some satisfaction by replacing property such as Old Kent Road with names of iconic albums such as 'Beggars Banquet'.
'Wild Horses' will not stop fans from tumbling dice but instead of moving a thimble around the board it will be a set of devil horns - a reference to their hit single 'Sympathy for the Devil'.
The famous community chest and chance cards have not escaped the Stones treatment either and are now famous titles and lines from the band's songs.
Fans have found they can always get what they want with the traditional four train stations being redesigned with names of the band's tours such as Urban Jungle.
But if players get into trouble they will not be exiled on Main Street - they will still be sent to jail without passing go.
Rolling Stones fan Jim Carrell, 48, said: "I've been a fan of the Stones all my life and will definitely be going out to buy this version of Monopoly.
"They are one of the best bands ever, with an incredible back catalogue, and definitely deserve to be paid tribute to in this way.
"Monopoly is the biggest game in the world and it just shows how important the Stones are that they were chosen for a new version of the game."
The iconic Monopoly money has been changed to concert tickets while houses and hotels which players would traditionally buy are now gold and platinum records.
Whereas in the past players would have to cough up after landing on the income tax and super tax squares, they now have to pay for concert tickets and stage set up.
And the water works and electric company are now drums and guitar. They can be mortgaged fo...
For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EZAOUDJES
DUKAS/REX -
DUKAS_15362194_REX
Baby owl brothers play together, Pueblo, Colorado, America - 23 Aug 2010
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Rob Palmer/Solent News / Rex Features ( 1221571f )
Brotherly Love As Young Owls Share A Playful Peck
Spotting the perfect moment to surprise his unwitting sibling, this crafty six-week-old owlet swoops in with his talons outstretched.
Caught completely unawares, his brother is almost bowled over backwards by the playful ambush.
Clearly pleased with his sneaky attack, the cheeky youngster then goes on to use his surprised sibling's head as a perch.
But showing that there's no hard feelings playtime for the young owls finishes with a cute display of affection that sees one giving the other a peck on the cheek.
The heartwarming antics of the two burrowing owls was captured by wildlife photographer Rob Palmer.
The 57-year-old was on the look out for burrowing owl dens in Littleton, Colorado when he came across the pair, who are part of a brood of six.
As their name suggests, burrowing owls nests underground in burrows that have been abandoned by animals like prairie dogs and badgers.
Rob said: "I spend a lot of time looking for burrowing owl dens, which are fairly common where ever you can find a prairie dog colony.
"There were six owlets in this brood and they would play in the early morning.
"I managed to get about 30 feet from them to take the pictures and, after a while, they had no problem with me being there. They were very tolerant of my presence.
"These two are just having fun so neither got hurt."
The burrowing owl grows to around 10 inches in length and has a wingspan of 21 inches.
The small, long-legged species is found is usually found in the dry, open areas of North and South America.
Unlike their nocturnal relatives, these owls tend to be at their most active during day-light hours.
They hunt for food from dusk to dawn and their diet consists mainly of insects and small rodents.
But living on t...
For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EZAFJZTVV
DUKAS/REX -
DUKAS_15234871_REX
Man grows massive 112lb (51kg) marrow, Tylacoch, Llanharry, south Wales - 17 Aug 2010
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Rex Features ( 1218378h )
Man Grows Mammoth Marrow
A gardener from south Wales is celebrating after growing a simply massive marrow.
Phillip Vowles, 61, of Tylacoch, Llanharry, grew the monster 112lb (51kg) vegetable in just six weeks.
And it would have grown even larger if it weren't for the fact he was forced to cut it after it began to split.
As such the keen gardener, who has been growing giant vegetables for more than 25 years, was unable to match the current world record of 206.5lb (93.7kg).
That was set last year by Brad Wursten of the Netherlands, beating the previous record set by Briton Ken Dade and his 143lb (65kg) marrow.
So, although he couldn't quite manage the world record at least Philip can console himself with the thought he is the proud owner of the 2nd largest marrow in Britain.
And he isn't beaten yet; ahead of next month's Llanharry Giant Vegetable Show he has vowed to keep growing in an effort to produce an even more mammoth marrow.
MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: Rex Features
For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/ELJVZQLEX (FOTO:DUKAS/REX)
DUKAS/REX -
DUKAS_15126524_REX
Two crop circles featuring the face of Jesus appear in fields either side of a motorway, near Hungerford, Berkshire, Britain - 04 Aug 2010
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Mike Walker / Rex Features ( 1214968e )
Motorway Crop Messiahs
Jesus has cropped up alongside a motorway in Berkshire.
Two crop circles depicting the face of the Messiah have appeared on either side of the M4 near Hungerford.
The two images, both 250 feet in diameter, were formed in crops of wheat.
The almost identical circles seem to portray Jesus in similar fashion to the world famous Shroud of Turin.
The Shroud of Turin is a linen cloth which many believe was the cloth used to cover Christ at the time of his burial.
As such, the imprint of a face that can be seen on the shroud is believed to be the face of Jesus himself.
Crop circle expert Karen Alexander commented: "These circles are causing quite a stir in the crop circle community.
"The last time a face appeared as a crop circle was in 2002 when an alien face appeared at Sparsholt in Hampshire.
"The farmers whose land has been used to make the circles are worried that they will be inundated with visitors seeking a religious experience".
MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: Mike Walker / Rex Features
For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/ESMABAMUD (FOTO:DUKAS/REX)
DUKAS/REX -
DUKAS_14957601_REX
'Unseen' photographs of the Beatles to be auctioned, Reading, Britain - Jul 2010
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Bournemouth News & Pic Service / Rex Features ( 1209317z )
At Home With The Beatles
These incredible unseen photographs of the Beatles in their heyday were taken by a teenage superfan who visited the band members every weekend for two years.
Sue Baker was 15 when she began her obsession with the Fab Four in the mid-60s and is now to sell her treasured collection at auction.
She first started going to Paul McCartney's London home every week, having tracked it down from a vague description in a Beatles magazine.
He eventually asked her if she ever visited John, George and Ringo and, when she said no, he gave her their addresses which she wrote on the back of an envelope.
She spent the next two years visiting each Beatle and recalled how they always answered the door to her, were true gentlemen and happy to pose for pictures.
The snaps include colour pictures of George Harrison with Sue outside the guitarist's bungalow that was painted with gaudy psychedelic patterns.
She even sneakily got her friend to take a picture of her sitting on George's Mini car when he wasn't in - and then took a snap through his bedroom window.
On George's house you can see among the loud painting the words "Mick and Marianne were here" - referring to Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithful.
There is a picture of Sue with John Lennon who is sporting huge sideburns, and snaps of Ringo with a cigarette in his hand.
The teenage fan worked two paper rounds in her home town of Reading, Berks, so she could afford to travel by train to meet her heroes.
She often took her younger brother Phillip - then aged four or five - and he is in some of the photographs.
Phillip was about the same age as John Lennon's son Julian and sometimes the pair would play together while Sue spoke with the legendary singer-songwriter at his home in Weybridge, Surrey.
Sue, now 59, who li...
For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EPBXBYNLK
DUKAS/REX -
DUKAS_14528734_REX
Micro pig wearing wellington boots, Pennywell Farm, Devon, Britain - Jun 2010
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Richard Austin / Rex Features ( 1194852b )
Micro pig wearing wellington boots, Pennywell Farm, Devon, Britain - Jun 2010
PIG IN BOOTS
Say hello to pig in boots.
With the weather taking a wet and windy turn, the only thing Clive the teacup piglet needs to complete his wet weather gear was his very own sow-wester.
The mini porker was forced to don the bright red Wellington boots after rain coated the yard at Pennywell Farm in Devon.
The move meant that he remained a pristine piggy and avoided muddy trotters - something he no doubt appreciated as his species are known for being scrupulously clean.
Micro pigs, which grow to just 14 inches long, are the latest pet craze with a host of celebrity owners including David and Victoria Beckham and Paris Hilton.
They are much smaller than a standard farm pig and weigh just 9oz when they are born.
At two years old they are fully grown and weigh in around 40-65 pounds and are around knee height at 12-16 inches tall.
The pigs, which cost up to GBP 700 each, can live for up to 18 years, but make popular pets as they are low maintenance, quiet and surprisingly clean.
MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: Richard Austin / Rex Features
For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EXYEITHJK (FOTO:DUKAS/REX)
DUKAS/REX -
DUKAS_14449083_REX
Baby penguin being handreared at Paultons Park, Romsey, Hampshire, Britain - 02 Jun 2010
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Solent News / Rex Features ( 1191269h )
Baby penguin being handreared at Paultons Park, Romsey, Hampshire, Britain - 02 Jun 2010
BABY PENGUIN THRIVES AS HE PILES ON THE POUNDS
This baby humboldt penguin is piling on the pounds after being handreared by keepers at a zoo who have to weigh it daily to ensure it gets enough food.
The cute youngster's mum laid two eggs but had previously struggled to cope with two chicks so keepers decided to try rearing one themselves.
The new arrival is currently living in an incubator alongside a stuffed toy penguin for company at Paultons Park in Romsey.
The park will hold a competition to name their new arrival once a DNA test on its feathers reveals its gender.
This is likely to take a further two months, when it will grow its first waterproof coating and will be allowed to join its mum and dad back in the main pool.
It will be introduced to the water slowly, starting with just an hour a day.
The penguin - who is currently just five weeks old - will be fed liquidised fish through a syringe before moving on to slices of spratts and finally complete fish.
Senior keeper Marc Bignell, 36, said: "We have put a stuffed toy penguin in the incubator to keep him company. He likes to snuggle up next to it and seems very happy.
"We weigh him every morning and feed him ten per cent of his body weight three times a day but he never seems to think it is enough.
"It is heartbreaking when you put him back down after meal times, having given him plenty, and he screeches out for more.
"He is making very good progress and I look forward to being able to introduce him to his parents and the main pool."
The other chick was allowed to remain with its parents, aged five and eight years, but sadly died.
MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: Solent News / Rex Features
For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EXKBPOUJZ (FOTO:DUKAS/REX)
DUKAS/REX -
DUKAS_14353204_REX
Musical goldfish plays the glockenspiel and handbells, Hudson, Wisconsin, America - 25 May 2010
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Solent News / Rex Features ( 1187018e )
Musical goldfish plays the glockenspiel and handbells, Hudson, Wisconsin, America - 25 May 2010
TALENTED GOLDFISH MAKES BEAUTIFUL MUSIC
Say hello to the world's first musical fish, which can play the glockenspiel and handbells and loves joining in with Barbara Streisand songs.
Goldfish Jor Jor has been trained to play single notes, chords and four part harmonies by simply using her mouth.
The talented two-year-old tugs on a string attached to the instrument in perfect time to the music playing outside her tank.
And she always comes in at the same point when she hears American singer Streisand sing 'Moon River.'
Owner Diane Rains, from Hudson, Wisconsin, says five inch long Jor Jor is able to time her aquatic interventions perfectly by listening to the tune.
She said: "Jor Jor certainly is a unique musician. She likes to listen closely until a particular moment inspires her to contribute.
"At precisely the right time, she will play her bells or chimes for a few seconds only, then swim off satisfied.
"I haven't figured out how she decides when her help is needed. She does particularly like the notes F and D, so perhaps she listens for those.
"Moon River has an instrumental intro and then Streisand comes in.
"Nearly every time, Jor Jor listens for several bars, then just before the vocals began, exactly on the beat, she rings her F bell once."
Diane, 54, started training Ryukin goldfish Jor Jor a year and half ago using a training technique called positive reinforcement.
When Jor Jor performs a certain act she is rewarded and so is trained to do that act more regularly.
She said: "When the fish does a correct behaviour, I mark it with a visual click of a penlight.
"The click is immediately followed by a treat delivered with a special feeding wand. No punishment or coer...
For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EAAFPFUPE
DUKAS/REX -
DUKAS_14045459_REX
Star Wars fan covers body in 14 tattoos featuring characters from all six films, Swindon, Wiltshire, Britain
Mandatory Credit: Photo by M & Y Agency Ltd / Rex Features ( 1177493k )
Star Wars fan covers body in 14 tattoos featuring characters from all six films, Swindon, Wiltshire, Britain
STAR WARS FAN FEELS THE FORCE WITH 14 TATTOOS
In a galaxy not so far away one Star Wars fan has taken his love of the films to a whole new level - covering his body with tattoos of his favourite characters.
In total, amateur Jedi Knight Luke Kaye has 14 tattoos featuring iconic figures from all six films.
Images of Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Yoda, C3PO and R2D2 all jostle for space on his back.
They lie alongside Darth Maul, a Tusken Raider, a stormtropper, a Gamorrean Guard, and Admiral Ackbar.
Meanwhile, dedicated Luke, from Swindon, also has other Star Wars related tattoos on his arms and legs.
In order to amass the collection the 42-year-old has had to endure over 100 hours in the tattoo artist's chair.
Luke's first ever tattoo was of Yoda and he has gradually add more inked characters over the past five years.
And he has no intention of stopping anytime soon, with plans for more characters to form a sleeve on his one arm.
He also wants to have full-size spaceships inked down his sides.
He comments: "They take a very long time but I think it shows my love for Star Wars that I have sat through so many painful hours.
"I have to pluck up the courage to keep going back but I will not stop until I am happy - I am nowhere near finished yet".
One person who is not a fan of Luke's body art is girlfriend Debbie Mawer, 27.
Luke comments: "She does not like them. I try to sneak off and get them done on the sly.
However, he adds; "To be fair, she is fantastic. When we met she had seen only seen one of the films, but I changed that very quickly.
"Debbie quickly realised how big a part of my life Star Wars is. She loves me for me and she is hooked herself now".
Luke, wh...
For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/ENRMQIJLF
DUKAS/REX -
DUKAS_13696845_REX
Meerkat amongst daffodils, Axminster, Devon, Britain - Apr 2010
Not for publication - for reference only
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Richard Austin / Rex Features ( 1167009h )
Tearsheet - Metro newspaper
Meerkat amongst daffodils, Axminster, Devon, Britain - Apr 2010
(FOTO:DUKAS/REX)
DUKAS/REX -
DUKAS_13489266_REX
Hibernating Dormouse rescued after nest is accidentally disturbed, Surrey, Britain - 16 Mar 2010
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Solent News / Rex Features ( 1151316e )
Hibernating Dormouse rescued after nest is accidentally disturbed, Surrey, Britain - 16 Mar 2010
SLEEPY DORMOUSE ESCAPES UNHAPPY FATE BY NARROW SQUEAK
A hibernating dormouse curls up in the palm of a hand blissfully unaware it has been rescued from a back garden.
The tiny animal can be only be handled for a few seconds at a time because otherwise the warm touch of human skin could cause it to wake prematurely.
Dormouse expert Dave Williams saved the three-inch creature from death after it was unwittingly exposed to frost, wind and rain.
It was left in the perilous condition when a gardener accidentally raked its woven grass nest from under a hedge.
If left alone, the freezing temperatures could have killed the tiny creature or it could have struggled to find the seeds, nuts and berries to eat if woken early.
When Mr Williams was alerted to its predicament, he rescued the mouse and checked that it was ok.
He said: "A gardener was cutting back a box hedge when they noticed this tight ball of grass on the ground.
"They had seen a dormouse earlier in the year by their compost heap and suspected it may be a nest so they covered it with cuttings and called me.
"The mouse was healthy but it was too exposed and I was not prepared to leave it".
While it continues to hibernate, the mouse will now be looked after at Wildlife Aid in Surrey.
Mr Williams added: "I had to handle the mouse to check it was healthy but you can only touch it for about 30 seconds at a time.
"If it gets too hot it could trick the mouse into thinking spring has come and it will wake from hibernation.
"That is not too serious at the wildlife sanctuary because we can feed it but in the wild it would struggle to find food this early in the year".
Wildlife Aid founder Simon Cowell said: "We want it to come out of hib...
For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EBVLIVGOC
DUKAS/REX -
DUKAS_13529522_REX
Orphaned Meerkats Thrive After Being Raised on an Aga, Axe Valley Bird & Animal Park, Devon, Britain - 22 Feb 2010
NOT FOR USE ON GREETING CARDS, POSTCARDS OR CALENDARS WORLDWIDE
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Richard Austin / Rex Features ( 1128716n )
Orphaned Meerkats Thrive After Being Raised on an Aga, Axe Valley Bird & Animal Park, Devon, Britain - 22 Feb 2010
ABANDONED MEERKATS RULE THE ROOST
Brought up on an aga, abandoned meerkats Wren and Rascal had a somewhat unusual start to life.
They and a third sibling were rejected by their mother shortly after being born, tossed out of the den and into the cold.
Luckily for the tiny creatures their abandonment took place at the Axe Valley Bird and Animal Park, which is run by Jayne Collier and her husband Andrew.
Jayne is at a loss to explain why her breeding female rejected the trio, as she has raised youngsters in the past and has even gone on to raise another set since.
Whatever the reason, it was down to Jayne to become adoptive mum to the lonesome babies.
Despite her best ministrations one didn't make it, but Wren and Rascal proved to be made of tougher stuff.
The pair, who were just the size of a finger, spent their first weeks of life inside a glove on top of the Colliers' kitchen Aga
As they grew they were given free-range of the house, which brought out their destructive side.
Following their natural instincts, the dastardly duo spent their days digging and burrowing - scraping out the grouting between the kitchen flagstones and fluffing up the carpet.
And despite their shaky start in life the two certainly weren't timid; they would regularly join the humans for walks around the farm, terrifying the dogs with their sharp teeth.
Eventually Jayne built the tear-away twosome their own new pen, as they wouldn't now be welcomed back by their original family.
So as they approach their first birthday Wren and Racal are kings of their own domain and can even expect the arrival of two new females soon.
MUST CRE...
For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EBWCXCNZL
DUKAS/REX -
DUKAS_12871456_REX
Britain's lowest ATM cashpoint, Whitchurch, Hampshire, Britain - 31 Jan 2010
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Solent News / Rex Features ( 1103189k )
Britain's lowest ATM cashpoint, Whitchurch, Hampshire, Britain - 31 Jan 2010
CROUCH DOWN CASH MACHINE LEAVES LOCALS FEELING SHORT-CHANGED
Britain's lowest cash machine, which stands little more than 18 inches off the ground, is leaving locals in Whitchurch, Hants feeling distinctly short-changed.
The backbreaking ATM was installed at knee height on the wall of a HSBC branch because the building is listed and there was nowhere else for it to go.
Originally it was not quite as low but last year the pavement was re-laid, raising the level of the walkway by several inches.
Now some Whitchurch residents have found themselves relying on their children to fetch their cash for them so they don't have to bend down.
Others are forced to go down on one knee to use the machine.
However, for one villager the ATM, which is 19.8 inches from the pavement, is at a perfect height.
Standing at 4ft 6ins, dwarf Brian Wheeler, 47, doesn't have to bend double or kneel down to get his hands on his cash.
He said: "Everyone has to crouch to use it but for me it's quite handy.
"I think it's just me and the children of the town who find it the perfect height."
Actor Brian played an Ewok and a Jawa in Star Wars: The Return of the Jedi, and has also starred in the most recent Harry Potter film.
He also acted as a navigator for Top Gear host Richard Hammond during an episode in the most recent series of the hit BBC show.
He added: "The cash machine is perfect for me because I am 'the only dwarf in the village.'"
A group of residents launched a campaign to save the HSBC branch last year after it was revealed that it could close.
They failed to save the branch from closure but they managed to save the cash point.
IT manager Mike Stead, from the Save Whitchurch Bank group, said: "There is another...
For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EQZUFQBFI
DUKAS/REX -
DUKAS_11527733_REX
A rare white tiger bursts out of the water at Singapore Zoo, Singapore - 28 Sep 2009
waiting for the writers return
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Birte Person/Solent / Rex Features ( 1012335g )
A rare white tiger bursts out of the water at Singapore Zoo, Singapore - 28 Sep 2009
AMAZING PICTURES CATCH TIGER'S TEATIME
A rare white tiger lunges into water at feeding time to fight for food.
Female photographer Birte Person captured the astonishing shots of the white Bengal Tiger as it ate with five others.
White tigers are almost extinct and most of those that survive are in captivity. In the past century only 12 have been seen in the wild.
The white tiger is neither an albino nor a separate subspecies. They are born to a Bengal Tiger, or Panthera tigris, that has the recessive gene needed for white colouring.
This happens naturally once in every 10,000 births and results in a tiger with white fur, black stripes, blue eyes and a pink nose.
Birte, 62, from New South Wales, Australia, took the incredible pictures while on a visit to Singapore Zoo.
She said: "Singapore has one of the largest collections of white tigers in the world and runs a very efficient breeding and conservation program.
"When these photos were taken I was on my way to another conservation shoot in Asia but decided I had to stop and look at these magnificent creatures.
"They sit in anticipation on the rocks waiting for the first morsel to be thrown, then it is a huge lunge into the water by all of them.
"It carries on at a frantic pace until they all get some food.
"Because it happens so quickly it is very difficult to get photos like this - I'm very pleased with them."
Bengal Tigers are fully grown at two to three years of age and live for up to 15 years in the wild. Males weigh 200-230 kilograms and are up to three metres in length.
The females are 130-70 kilograms and up to 2.5 meters long.
MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: Birte Person / Solent / Rex Features
For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/HLKMPJMNJ (
DUKAS/REX