AN 'APOCALYPTIC' downpour was not enough to slow down a group of brave and battling charity runners.

Around 70 people fought through the elements on Sunday in the 10km Mast Blast to raise money for the Bolton Mountain Rescue Team by racing to the top of Winter Hill.

The annual event is thought to have raised as much as £1,000 for the service, which receives around 150 calls each year and covers an area from Darwen in the north to Manchester Airport in the south.

Mike Stevenson, who helped to organise the run, said those taking part in this year's Mast Blast were not put off despite torrential rain throughout the day.

"It was good despite the weather, which was apocalyptic," he said.

"We had a good turnout, some people couldn't make it because of the weather but others entered on the day so that helped.

"A lot of people said they were just laughing all way round."

The mountain rescue team is involved in supporting a number of other runs and charity days and raises money through these, as well as donations. However, the Mast Blast is the organisation's biggest event and provides a key cash supply.

Mr Stevenson added: "This event is all ours. We organise this and we get all the money raised through it.

"It's a really important one for us."

The male winner of this year's Mast Blast was Chris Farrimond, who completed the 10km course in just 58 minutes and 52 seconds. The female winner was Danielle Brearton, of the Wigan Harriers, whose one hour and 35 second time was a new course record. Chris Waites and Craig Riches were second and third overall, with David Sellars and Melissa Grove awarded prizes for the fastest emergency services staff. Entries for next year's event will be opening in October. For more, visit: www.facebook.com/10kmastblast/.