A MAN has been taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital this afternoon after a collision between a car and a van on the M65.

Two lanes were closed on the westbound carriageway between Junction 10 Padiham and Junction 9 Lane Ends following the smash around 3.15pm.

Police said both vehicles ended up facing the wrong way on the road but they were moved to the hard shoulder around 3.30pm.

A police spokesman said there were still traffic problems as a result of the decision to close lanes one and two heading towards Accrington and Blackburn.

A North West Ambulance Service spokesman said one man had been taken to hospital with back pain.