Two women walkers were found safe after a night in storm conditions on a mountain in the Cairngorms.

A massive rescue operation was launched after the pair made a 999 call to rescue services about 9.25 last night. Phone contact was then lost and emergency teams feared the women would succumb to hypothermia in heavy rain.

The hillwalkers were reported to have little equipment for a night in rough conditions on Ben Mheadhoin. Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs) from Cairngorm, Braemar, Glenmore Lodge and RAF Kinloss joined the search, along with dogs from the Search and Rescue Dog Association and a helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth.

Grampian Police Mountain Rescue Team co-ordinated the operation.

The two walkers, both 39, were finally found this morning, about 11.30, near Loch Etchahan. They were taken to Glenmore Lodge, near Aviemore. Four members of the Cairngorm MRT had spent the night on the mountain searching for them.