KERRY GILLIBRAND achieved her double aim last night - to reach the 1500m final and to wave with two hands at the camera!

The 25-year-old Baxenden athlete had promised her old coach at Hyndburn AC Paul Beech that she would use both hands to acknowledge him when the camera came down the line at the start.

She did that and then clinched a place in the final by finishing fourth in the first semi-final of the 1500m in the City of Manchester Stadium.

"I didn't get too nervous at the start as all I could think about was that I had to wave both hands at the camera for Paul!" admitted the Sale Harrier.

Kerry clocked 4mins18.29secs in the semi - her personal best is 4.11 - but wants to break the 4.10 barrier in tonight's final.

She admitted the semi was good experience in her first major championships.

"I felt better than I have done for the last couple of weeks out on the track as I have had a virus. I am getting over it now though," she said.

"I am just glad I am through to the final, that was my aim, and I don't care if I finish last now!"

A coach-load from Baxenden came to cheer Kerry on - including fellow Sale Harrier and former Hyndburn team-mate Amanda Parkinson who could have been competing herself but is now expecting her second child.

"They were all in the open end so I expect they got very wet," said Kerry.

The heavens opened and the athletes, after the heatwave of the last few days, experienced what might be seen as a 'typical' day in Manchester.

At one stage the rain was so torrential the pole vault was postponed for an hour.

The weather should have suited Kerry but she wasn't so sure.

"I could have done with it a bit drier and I hope I have a new kit for the final as this one is soaked!"

At one stage, Kerry appeared to be boxed in in a slow opening semi-final but she was never worried.

"I just didn't want to be at the front, leading the way, so I was glad to be in the middle of it all," she said.

However she did make a kick over the last 200m to seal place number four, the final qualifying spot in her race.

"I am just so pleased to be in my first major final," she said. "That is all I wanted."

Preston's Helen Pattinson finished third in the first semi in 4.17.39 while favourite Kelly Holmes was comfortable, leading the second semi-final home in 4.11.27.

The 1500m final is at 7pm tonight.