THREE motorists were involved in a collision which led to the M65 being partially blocked for an hour - but firefighters believe the drivers may have got away lightly.

One Citroen Picasso car travelling in the outside lane is thought to have spun and clipped the central reservation between junctions seven and eight, at around 8.20pm last night, and was left facing the wrong way.

The Picasso was then struck head-on by a Ford Focus, following up behind. Then the Focus itself was also clipped by a VW Polo, within moments.

Firefighters have confirmed that three casualties, one thought to be from each vehicle, were taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital after being given first aid at the scene.

Watch manager Gary Forrest, of Hyndburn fire station, said: "The drivers had each suffered cuts and bruises but in the end they were probably quite lucky, considering what eventually happened."

Two lanes of the motorway were closed off by Lancashire Police for about an hour as the three vehicles were recovered.