THE M6 north has reopened between junction 19 for Knutsford and 20 for Lymm following a crash between a car and a lorry.

The driver of the car was airlifted to hospital, and police officers have been on the scene investigating with the carriageway closed.

Police are describing the incident as 'serious' and are advising motorists to avoid the area. Queues stretch back to junction 17.

All lanes are now open, with traffic having earlier been directed off the M6 at junction 19 and diverted up the A556.

A Cheshire Police spokesman said: "Officers are dealing with a two-vehicle collision which occurred on the northbound carriageway at Lymm.

"The collision involved a car and a flatbed lorry which were both travelling in the same direction. The driver of the car has been airlifted to hospital.

"The southbound carriageway was closed to facilitate the helicopter and is now open.

"Thank you for your patience."

Highways England indicates that, from junction 18, there is a delay of around two hours against normal traffic.

The southbound carriageway has also reopened, having closed to allow the air ambulance to access the scene.