It's been a hectic day on the roads for the county's traffic officers as they've dealt with a number of crashes which have caused major delays on the motorway network.

Early on Saturday afternoon, two lanes of the the M6 northbound from junction 31a at Preston/Longridge to junction 32 for the Broughton interchange were closed due to a crash.

Police, fire and ambulance crews all attended and drivers were advised that they could experience delays of between 45 and 60 minutes. 

There was around eight miles of heavy congestion as a result of the incident but by 4.30pm, four hours after the original accident, all lanes had been re-opened. 

A spokesperson for Highways England said: "Please allow extra time if you're planning on using this section of the M6 between J31a and J32.

"There are currently delays of 45-60 minutes and approximately 8 miles of heavy congestion."

Over on the Fylde coast, police in Thornton and Cleveleys were advising motorists that a road closure was in place after a serious crash was reported on Skitham Lane.

Skitham Lane, Woods Lane and the junction of Lancaster Road, close to The Cartford Inn were closed while emergency services dealt with the incident.

A spokesperson for the police said: "We would just like to make you aware that a road closure is currently in place.

"A serious road traffic collision has occurred which has led to closures on Skitham Lane.

"Closures are at Woods Lane and at the junction of Lancaster Road.

"We appreciate this will cause delays but if you can avoid this area we, and other emergency services appreciate it."

It is not known if any serious injuries occurred as a result of either incident.