THE M6 has been closed after a crash this morning.

Traffic has been halted on the southbound carriageway near to junction 20 at Lymm after the accident, which involved a lorry and a car.

Delays of up to an hour are reported, with queues tailing nine miles back to junction 23 at Haydock.

Congestion is also heavy along Winwick Road as a result of motorists seeking alternative routes.

The motorway reopened at around 8.20am, but residual delays remain.