THIS is the dramatic moment a distraught animal sanctuary owner collapsed in the mud moments after bailiffs arrived to evict her from her farm and bring a lifetime's work to a cruel end.

Paula Campbell was so overcome with grief she required hospital treatment after the repossession of the Rainbow Ark Animal Sanctuary in Willington, County Durham, this lunchtime (January 29).

Following years of court cases and appeals, bailiffs acting on behalf of Redstone Mortgages arrived to take possession of the sanctuary at Milkup Bank Farm today (January 29) due to thousands of pounds owed in payment arrears.

Ms Campbell has devoted 20 years to looking after sick and homeless animals. Her sanctuary has successfully rehomed thousands of cats and dogs throughout the North-East.

Earlier today, the 47-year-old animal lover, members of her family and volunteers staged a desperate last stand as baliffs moved in.

A large wooden pole and a tree trunk were laid across the track while the peaceful protestors also blockaded the main gate with a van and Land Rover.

The dozen or so bailiffs, accompanied by Durham Police who were there to keep the peace, were told by volunteer John Proctor that they were denied entry to the farm.

But their efforts were in vain and, as she contemplated the end of her life's work, the anguish became too much and Ms Campbell fell to muddy ground.

Her daughter Jayne said Ms Campbell, 47, had discharged herself from hospital but is still in shock.

Efforts are still being made to relocate the more than 300 animals living at the sanctuary.