A MAN and woman were cut free from their car following a six-vehicle pile-up on the M65.

The smash happened about half a mile past junction 11 on the eastbound carriageway of the motorway at about 4.25pm on Saturday.

Six vehicles, including a trials-type motorbike, a Land Rover and a Daewoo car, carrying eight people in total, were believed to be involved in the incident just past the Stoneyholme junction.

Seven people, including a mother and baby were hurt.

The motorway was blocked for about a hour following the crash, causing long tailbacks.

Debris was strewn over the carriageway and the central reservation was damaged.

Police received reports of motorists turning back and driving the wrong way down the M65 and slip-road to avoid the jams.

Firefighters had to cut the roof and a door off the Daewoo car to free the man and woman.

The pair, in their 50s, complained of back and neck injuries and were taken to Burnley General Hospital on a longboard as a precaution.

An ambulance service spokesman said their injuries were not serious.

He added that three walking wounded' were also taken to hospital.

A woman and a child were also treated at the scene.