A MOTORCYCLIST was seriously injured in a head-on collision on the moors between Blackburn and Bolton this afternoon.

The air ambulance was called to the accident scene near Belmont on the Rivington Road just before 4pm.

The male rider of a blue Suzuki motor bike was described by police as having 'serious but not life-threatening' injuries.

The driver of the silver Renault car also involved in the collision was said to be suffering from shock.

The road, a well-used route over the moors, was initially expected to be close for at least an hour while police and ambulance staff dealt with the two casualties and the aftermath of the accident.

It has since re-opened. 

Inspector David Britton said: "A head-on collision between a blue Suzuki motorcycle and silver Renault car was reported to us at 3.50pm today.

"The male rider of the motorcycle is understood to have serious but not life threatening injuries. He is conscious and talking.

"The driver of car is described as suffering from shock.

"Initial indications are the Rivington route, a well-used route at this time of a Saturday afternoon. will potentially be closed for at least an hour while we deal with the incident."

Anyone with information can call police on 101.