Abergavenny-based Longtown Mountain Rescue Team, with Central Beacons MRT from Merthyr, has been involved in the evacuation of six tired and cold youngsters from Essex who had been walking in the Black Mountains as part of a Duke of Edinburgh's Scheme training exercise.

Two of the group were suffering from hypothermia and having found themselves in increasing darkness late on Tuesday night called for help via Gwent Police.

The students sensibly stayed together and were located by a Gwent Police helicopter, who supported the 30 plus members of volunteer teams as they made their way through the Grwyne Fawr valley forest to near the summit of Bal Mawr where the students were reached.

Supported by MRT personnel they were walked off the hill, to waiting support staff and precautionary ambulances.

An LMRT spokesperson stated – "This was another successful night for the South Wales teams, and demonstrates our commitment to providing professional emergency cover in all conditions, and for most, after a full day at work.

"Although the night was clear and spring is in full flow, it was cold and extremely dark, and whilst the students were appropriately equipped it demonstrates how quickly conditions on the mountains can become challenging.

"As the nights draw out and weather improves, we'd still like to remind people to take sensible precautions and the right equipment onto the hill."