Traffic was stopped on the M65 on Friday afternoon due to sheep in the carriageway.

Highways officers temporarily halted motorists in both directions from junction four for Blackburn with Darwen Services to junction three for Riley Green.

Traffic officers and road police were sent to the scene to deal with the incident and try to herd the sheep to safety.

A spokesperson for Highways said: " The M65 in both directions J4/Blackburn with Darwen Services (BlackburnSouth/Bolton/Darwen/A666) to J3 (RileyGreen/BlackburnWest), traffic has been temporarily stopped due to sheep in the road.

"Traffic officers and road police are currently dealing."

Swift action from the police meant the motorway traffic was moving again within half an hour as the sheep were led from the carriageway and reuinted with their farmer.