A couple lost in the dark in the mountains above Abergavenny on Sunday night were rescued within an hour of raising the alarm thanks to smartphone technology.

The couple from the Vale of Glamorgan, who do not wish to be identified, had been out walking in the mountains near the Grwyne Fawr Reservoir when they became lost as darkness fell.

The couple, in their 60s, dialled 999 and Dyfed Powys Police called out Longtown Mountain Rescue Team, which is based Abergavenny.

Neil Hughes, deputy team leader of Longtown MRT, said, "We were called out at around 8.15pm.

"The couple were well equipped and both experienced walkers. But they had forgotten to pack a torch. As darkness fell they were walking through dense forestry, in the pitch black they became disorientated and raised the alarm.

"We were able to use a system called SARLOC, developed by a former mountain rescue team member.

"The software works by sending a web link to the missing person's phone.

"Once they click on the link their location is sent to the mountain rescue team search managers.

"We were able to get their exact location and team members went out in our 4x4 response vehicle to reach them. They were incredibly grateful to see us and couldn't believe we had arrived so quickly."

The SARLOC system was developed by a former member of Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation, in Snowdonia, and has saved hundreds of lives.

But Mr Hughes warned that, although it's an amazing system a mobile phone should only be used as backup to good navigation and preparation.

"Had there not been a good signal, allowing the system to be downloaded, then it would have been a very long night for all of us," he said.

The team was also called out earlier in the day after a local man was late returning from a run in the mountains above Llanbedr. He returned safely as team members were assembling.