TRAFFIC is heavy on several roads in East Lancashire this morning due to hazardous driving conditions caused by overnight snow and ice.

Roads affected by the adverse weather include Preston New Road at Samlesbury where there is heavy traffic due to ice.

Traffic is also queuing on the A6119 Whitebirk Drive and Brownhill Drive in Blackburn, while driving conditions are 'hazardous' on Grane Road, Haslingden.

There is better news for motorists on the M65, with police saying it is 'fully open and flowing normally.'

They are advising motorists to 'drive with extra caution'.

North West Motorway Police tweeted: "For those of you waking up and have been made aware of issues on the M65, as we speak traffic is flowing through area with no problems, weather is still inclement in area so do drive with extra caution."

Lancashire Police said on Facebook: The M65 is now open, and traffic is flowing freely. There’s still a chill in the air, so please drive carefully.

Highways England tweeted: "Good news. - All closures removed and carriageway treated / collisions cleared on the #M65 eastbound between J4 and J5 near #Blackburn in #Lancashire. Please drive according to the weather conditions and have a safe journey."

It comes after motorists were warned to stay off the roads of East Lancashire last night due to the adverse driving conditions.

The poor weather led to a series of incidents, with police reporting vehicles becoming stuck on the M65 And snowy conditions leading to issues on both the eastbound and westbound carriageways.

The M65 between areas of junction three and junction five saw heavy snow and a couple of vehicles abandoned due to the conditions.

Firefighters from Blackburn also attended to a damage only crash on the Grane Road, and there were also reports of a five-vehicle crash close to the Four Halls Inn, Barrowford Road, Higham.

Gritters have been out on roads across East Lancashire this morning and commuters are being advised to leave extra time for their journey.