FIREFIGHTERS were called to a 'substantial' car fire on the M65 this morning.

Two crews from Hyndburn attended the blaze which was westbound near junction seven at 6am.

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A fire service spokesman said the black Peugeot 206 was on the hard shoulder, with flames coming out of the engine.

He said: "The fire was rather substantial when we got there and there was smoke blowing into the other lanes on the motorway.

"After we put the fire out the smoke cleared and visibility returned to normal.

"We believe the fire was caused by a mechanical fault in the car, the driver was not hurt as he was outside the car and well away from danger on the grassy hill."

One lane was closed but it has now been reopened.