THE M66 was shut near Bury following a two-car crash on the northbound carriageway in the early hours of this morning.

Due to a large amount of debris, the motorway was closed between Junction 1 for Ramsbottom and Bury North, and Junction 2 for Walmersley and Heywood.

One of the cars collided with the central reservation as a result of the crash. All of the lanes have now been reopened after emergency barrier repairs were carried out.

Highways England's North West teams were called to the scene to help with the recovery at about 1am.

They tweeted: "A large amount of debris needed to be cleared up. Recovery was requested for both vehicles.

"Me18 Alcohol Abuse Therapists attended to ensure that drink wasn't a factor. All drivers sober and lucky to be uninjured."

They later tweeted: "Barrier repairs complete following the earlier collision, all lanes are open. Safe travels."