The saucy cargo had to be removed from the vehicle by crews tackling the fire, which broke out near Great Barr at about 0400 BST.

The 30-ton articulated lorry was also carrying nearly 10 tons of paper.

A Central Motorway Police Group Spokesman told BBC News Online: "It was a mixed load and for it to be extinguished some of the contents had to be pulled out on to the road."

The fire caused the temporary closure of the motorway between junctions seven and eight of the north-bound carriageway.

Smoke from the truck also closed the southbound carriageway between junctions nine and eight. The motorway has now reopened.