A VAN burst into flames as it was being driven along the motorway.

The driver of the X-registration Mercedes reported a slipping clutch as he drove down the M61 at 6.05pm yesterday.

He pulled into Bolton West Service Station when the vehicle -- carrying fire doors -- set alight.

Firefighters used two hose reels on the blaze but the van was so badly damaged they could not work out the cause of the fire.