ANIMAL rights campaigners in the North-East hailed a victory in their fight to stop fur farming yesterday.

The protestors, who have targeted the Cornyhaugh Mink Farm, near Ponteland, Northumberland, for their protests, claimed victory as the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill passed through its final stage in the House of Commons last night.

The North-East campaigners have grabbed the headlines since 1997 in their attempts to close down the farm.

But, despite the victory, they expressed disappointment that the legislation, which will outlaw the farming of animals primarily for the value of their fur, will not come into force until January 1, 2003.