Kelly Holmes' attempt on the British 1500m record in Birmingham on Friday will be helped by rival Jolanda Ceplak.

Holmes caused controversy last summer when she questioned the manner of the Slovenian's runaway victory in the European Championships.

But Ceplak has agreed to pace Holmes in her attempt to land her second British record in as many weeks.

Pole vaulters have helped each other out so I see no reason why middle distance runners should not do the same Ceplak and Holmes' manager, Robert Wagner

The race is scheduled just one hour after Ceplak's own record attempt at the same meeting, where she goes for the world indoor 1,000m record.

Robert Wagner, who manages both athletes, said Ceplak was the natural choice to set the pace for Holmes.

"There is no better 800m runner in Europe than Jolanda so she is ideal to pull Kelly along at the start of the race," he said.

"Kelly is in the shape of her life and I expect her to run somewhere in between four minutes and four minute fives seconds.

"Pole vaulters have always helped each other out so I see no reason why middle distance runners should not do the same."