AN area of the M61 motorway was closed after a crash involving a car and a heavy goods vehicle containing toxic chemicals.

The crash, between the lorry and a Nissan Micra, happened at about 1am this morning at junction 4 of the southbound carriageway of the M61 near Farnworth.

Firefighters at first believed the toxic substances on board the lorry may have spilt onto the road and cordoned off the area.

They then went into the lorry wearing protective equipment and breathing apparatus before assessing that none of the material had been spilt.

The driver and passenger of the Nissan Micra were not seriously injured but were taken to hospital for a check up.

The section of motorway was closed for about an hour before being re-opened.