Traffic stopped on M1 after lorry erupts in flames

A lorry caught fire shutting the M1 on Saturday

A lorry fire led to long delays on the M1 southbound on Saturday.

Emergency services were called to the motorway between junction 29 for Chesterfield and junction 28 at Mansfield at about 06:00 BST.

Drivers were thanked for their patience as the carriageway closed while the fire was put out by crews from Chesterfield and Ashfield fire stations and a water carrier from Clay Cross.

With the fire out by 06:40, a lane was reopened and traffic was released.

National Highways said the driver was unharmed.

Fire crews left the scene at about 07:25 but motorists were told to expect delays as two lanes remained shut while the lorry was being recovered.

By 13:30 all lanes had reopened.

Work to repair the damaged road surface will be carried out overnight "under lane closures", said National Highways.

The burnt-out lorry was made safe while traffic was released