Motorists were not “amoosed” when a herd of cattle halted their journey.

The 15 cows escaped from their field and headed on to the side of the M62 , forcing police and highways officials to close part of it yesterday.

The drama began just after 9am at the westbound side of the motorway between junctions 26 at Chain Bar and 27 Gildersome when the cattle were spotted on the hard shoulder.

A Highways Agency spokeswoman said: “That stretch of the motorway was closed for almost an hour-and-a-half while police officers herded the cattle back into the field. The cows didn’t actually get on to the carriageway and repairs have now been made to the damaged fence.”