SOAP star Gemma Atkinson has helped a team of runners raise more than £6,500 for a local animal sanctuary.

Gemma, from Bury, was part of a team of 17 runners who put their best foot forward for Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary at the Great Manchester Run on Sunday.

The 10k run, through the streets of Manchester, attracts thousands of runners each year and current Emmerdale actress Gemma was joined by Bleakholt trustees, volunteers and animal lovers round the course.

Gemma, vice president of the sanctuary, who has starred in many television series including Hollyoaks, I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here and Casualty completed the run in 57 minutes.

She commented: “I love keeping fit but I am not a runner, saying that I really enjoyed the 10k run and was proud of my time.

"The crowd was superb and spurred me on.

"The reason I was doing it was for Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary, a charity close to my heart. Although the animals can't thank you themselves I know they will all be grateful with their new beds, toys, training areas, kennels, food - all the items everyone's donations will go towards."

The sanctuary is one of the largest of its kind in the North West of England boasting a 55 acre site in Edenfield near Ramsbottom.

They house dogs, cats and small animals which need re-homing and also provide a permanent home for a number of goats, donkeys, horses and pigs.

Manager of the sanctuary Stuart Murray said: "Bleakholt relies soley on donations so events like this are vital to the running of Bleakholt so we want to thank everyone who took part and donated."

The money raised from the run will be going towards some of the kennels which are said to be "old and need replacing."

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/BLEAKHOLT-ANIMAL-SANCTUARY