AN evicted animal sanctuary owner has spent the weekend barricaded in her former farm.

Paula Campbell and two supporters have been in the farmhouse at Milkup Bank Farm in Willington, County Durham, since about 1pm on Friday (March 29).

They were granted permission to return to the farm, from where she ran the Rainbow Ark Animal Sanctuary, to collect personal belongings, but the trio barricaded themselves in with furniture.

One was escorted out on Sunday afternoon (March 30) amid concerns about his health.

Speaking on a mobile phone from inside the house, Ms Campbell said she remained as defiant as ever.

Supporters of Ms Campbell said they had asked for permission to go on the site to give food, supplies and medication to the barricaded protestors but they were denied access.

Ms Campbell was evicted from the farm in January after a long-running dispute with Redstone Mortgages Ltd.

The firm had not replied to any requests for comment over the barricade but have previously said they took action after Ms Campbell went into arrears on her mortgage.

But Ms Campbell claimed she was not in arrears and accused the court order that permitted the eviction of being unlawful.

More than 350 animals were taken from the sanctuary after the eviction to other sanctuaries and charities around the country.

Concerns have been raised about the welfare of some of the animals and the RSPCA is investigating.