A PENSIONER was seriously injured after losing control of his car on the M65, careering along an embankment and smashing into a fence.

Police closed the motorway for two hours today between junctions 10 Burnley and 12 Brierfield following the crash.

Officers said a Fiat Punto being driven by a 68-year-old man from Lowerhouse Lane, Burnley, left the carriageway just before the Brierfield junction at around 9.15am.

The car travelled along an embankment and crashed into a fence at the side of the motorway.

His wife, who was in the passenger seat, was able to exit the wreckage herself.

But her husband had to be cut free by firefighters who removed the vehicle's roof.

He was carried out of the car on a longboard and taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

His condition is described as serious but stable. Police said his injuries were not life threatening.

An investigation has been launched into the cause of the crash.

Inspector Phil Cottam, from the motorway police, said: "The vehicle left the motorway and collided with a substantial piece of wooden fencing.

"We can't say for certain, but it seems that the car lost control in lane two.

"At the time the condition of the man and his wife was unknown and we had to close the motorway as a precaution and for scene examination."

Watch manager from Nelson, Mark Woodward, told of his firefighters' rescue operation: "The female passenger managed to get out herself, but the male driver was trapped.

"Fire officers used cutting equipment to remove the roof of the car and the man was taken out on a longboard, which is very common procedure when neck or spinal injuries are suspected.

"We worked very quickly with paramedics to stabilise the casualty.

"We then spent 45 minutes making sure the scene was safe."

The motorway re-opened at around midday.