MORE than 1,000 animal lovers and their dogs ran, jumped, crawled and waded through a series of fun obstacles to help care for homeless animals.

The pooches and athletes were taking part in the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s Muddy Dog Challenge at Ashley Hall in Altrincham.

Among those taking part was Amy Nuttall and her two-year-old Lurcher, Zuma.

Ms Nuttall was tragically involved in a car crash several years ago, leaving her with permanent injuries.

But after years of rehabilitation and recovery she is now much happier and healthier and was very excited to take part in the Muddy Dog Challenge. She said: “I loved every challenge we faced ­— the muddy crawls were fabulous.

“Zuma absolutely loved it and he decided the muddy water was perfect for a little run around which had me laughing. We’ll definitely be coming back to compete again.”

This year was the second time that the Muddy Dog Challenge has come to Altrincham as the popular event tours the country.

Jasmine Monk, Battersea’s challenge events officer, said: “We’ve raised over £87,000 so far in our Muddy Dog Challenge which will help us care for thousands of abandoned and stray dogs and cats inside and outside of our centres.”