A MOTORWAY has re-opened after a three-hour closure due to a rogue cow.

The M65 eastbound between junctions seven and eight between Rishton and Accrington was closed off as traffic officers worked to move the cow away from the motorway.

A small amount of congestion was also experienced on the westbound carriageway. 

Jams grew over the morning with queues backing up way past junction six at Whitebirk.

A spokesman for Highways England confirmed that the cow had been reunited with its farmer.

Traffic is once again moving freely.