A LORRY driver has suffered serious injuries following an early-morning crash which closed the southbound M6 in Cumbria today.

The 53-year-old man from Beattock was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital.

Police say his injuries are not thought to be life threatening at this time.

Two of the three southbound lanes of the motorway have now been reopened as an investigation into the collision is launched.

Recovery work is also continuing.

Highways England was predicting that traffic on the M6 would not return to normal until 11.30am.

Firefighters had to use specialist cutting equipment, tools and ladders to help free the man who had been trapped in his cab.

Police say the white heavy goods vehicle left the motorway and travelled down an embankment before crashing into a bridge parapet.

Police were called at 4.20am and firefighters just a short time later to the crash between Shap and Tebay.

Firefighters spent two hours at the scene.

Emergency services closed the southbound motorway from junction 39 at Shap to junction 38 at Tebay.

Diversions were in place and motorists were asked to avoid the area.

Drivers were leaving the M6 at junction 39 and being sent along the A6 to Kendal, onto the A591 and A590 before rejoining the motorway at junction 36.