THE owner of one of the North's leading animal rescue centres has been forced to sell up following two heart attacks.

Alex Winwood, who with her husband Fred ran the Eldon Hope rescue centre, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, said she was heartbroken and devastated at having to move out.

She had run Eldon Hope as a registered charity for more than 18 years, caring for thousands of cats and dogs, rabbits and even the odd terrapin.

Alex, 63, and Fred, 62, will continue with their cat rescue work in the back garden of their new home at 7 Henson Grove, Newton Aycliffe.

"It's been a very, very sad time for both of us," said Alex. "But, after having two heart attacks, I found the stress of looking after all the animals too much to cope with.

"It is heartbreaking, but at least we have the comfort of knowing that we will still be able to carry on caring for lost and abandoned cats."

They had to leave four cats behind at Eldon Hope when they moved out. But Alex said they would be paying the boarding fees until their new cattery was completed in about a month's time.

Lesley Knowles, the new owner of the rescue centre, which is now called Skyecroft Boarding Kennels, is caring for the only dog remaining there - a German shepherd called Saxon.

"We are hoping that someone will come forward to give him a good home. He's such a lovely dog," said Miss Knowles. "But if that fails, then I will continue to keep him as a pet."

Miss Kowles said that no animal rescue work would now be carried on at the kennels.

She will also be specialising in the training of German shepherds for dog trials.

l Alex and Fred Winwood need support in order to carry on their cat rescue work at home. Any donations to help with the efforts should be sent to that address. The cattery will be open in about a month's time and it can be contacted on (01325) 314371