AN ACCIDENT earlier this morning has been causing continual delays on the M61.

Recovery vehicles were called out during rush hour and one lane was closed to allow emergency services to work.

The incident occurred southbound around Junction 9 for Blackburn, Burnley and the M65 but also caused delays as far back as Junction 8 for Chorley.

The closed lane (lane three) reopened at around 8.20am.

Traffic is thought to be easing now, although the impact of the closure has caused continued disruption throughout the morning.