A stretch of the M61 motorway in Greater Manchester was closed on Monday  after a lorry burst into flames.

The truck, which is carrying more than 20 tonnes of pet food, set alight on the M61 at around 8am.

Dramatic pictures taken by passing motorists show flames lapping up the side of the vehicle which was completely engulfed by fire.

Three fire engines, one from Manchester and two from Lancashire, raced to the scene near Rivington services to tackle the blaze.

The southbound carriageway was completely closed between junction six, Bolton and junction eight, Chorley.