A Fylde man has died after driving 14 miles in the wrong direction on the M6 seriously injuring a man and his two young children.

St Annes-born Gary Brotherton, 45, of Newholme Gardens, Walkden, Manchester, died after crashing his Renault Megane into a Vauxhall Vectra driving in the correct direction on the northbound carriageway between junctions 26 and 27 at around 8.30pm on Saturday.

The 43-year-old driver of the Vectra suffered broken arms and legs and remains in a serious condition at Wigan Royal Infirmary. His 11-year-old daughter is in a stable condition at the same hospital suffering minor injuries.

The 9-year-old boy was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital with head and chest injuries. He was transferred to Liverpool's Alder Hey Children's Hospital where he remains in a serious condition.

It is not yet known why Mr Brotherton -- a father-of-one who worked as a care worker -- was driving south along the northbound carriageway but police have confirmed he was first spotted travelling the wrong way on the motorway at junction 29 near Bamber Bridge, Preston -- up to 14 miles from the site of the collision.

Paying tribute, his estranged wife Georgina said: "Gary was a loving and caring man. He enjoyed life to the full. He idolised his son and his family meant the world to him. His sister, he loved very much. He adored her with all his heart.

"I loved Gary very much and we were together for over 20 years.

"I don't know his partner Karen but my thoughts go out to her and her family. John and Davy were his best friends, who will also sadly miss him.

"He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anybody.

"The one biggest pleasure Gary loved was car boot sales. I will always love and cherish him for all the good times and I will never forget him.

"I will miss you so much. Love Ginge. God bless."

Police are now keen to trace the movements of Mr Brotherton's Megane prior to its initial sighting at Bamber Bridge and would like to speak to anyone who has seen the car before then.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at the Motorway Unit on 0161 856 1550.