About 400 people entered the annual Rescue Run in spite of the muddy conditions caused by Saturday night's torrential rain.

The race is held every year to raise money for the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.

Andy Williams, chairman of the air ambulance, admitted he had been a bit concerned about the weather.

He said: "The organisers told me it was all flooded so we were a bit worried it would be called off, but everybody worked tremendously hard to make sure things pulled together.

"We hope this event will raise more than £10,000 ... and that's enough to keep the air ambulance in the air for three days. It doesn't sound like much but that could really save lives."

Selena Chambers, who works at Virgin Active gym and organised the event, said: "We have had a really good turnout and the staff at Billing Aquadrome have worked really hard to make sure the race still went ahead."

Actress Katherine Kelly, who plays Becky Grainger in Coronation Street, got her wellies out to encourage runners.

The popular television star is patron of the air ambulance and wanted to help encourage people to raise cash for the charity.

She said: "I think the people who took part in this race are amazing because it has been absolutely soaking.

"The sun came out just as the first person crossed the finish line but the river had burst its banks and they have been pumping out all night.

"I really wouldn't have blamed people for rolling over and going back to sleep this morning instead of coming here."