ALL traffic on a major motorway had to be held after a crash between a lorry and van.

The collision happened on the westbound carriageway of the M62, at junction 24 (Ainley Top).

The motorway was closed within the junction and vehicles were being held for just under an hour (starting at 3.55pm).

All lanes reopened at around 4.51pm, with the lorry and van moved to the hard shoulder.

Both vehicles are now awaiting recovery.

The closure was causing congestion on the motorway, with two miles of queuing traffic at one point.

Traffic officers tried to alleviate this issue by bringing vehicles off the M62 by the exit slip-road, to then re-join by the entry slip-road.

Traffic is easing now all lanes have reopened.