One of the Central Beacons MRT's Land Rovers in action in the snow

Police have thanked volunteer mountain rescuers for their ‘phenomenal’ efforts in helping during heavy snow.

The Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team worked in shifts helping South Wales Police as falls of snow up to 38cm (15 in) deep hit the area over the weekend.

Rob Jones of the team said travel was near impossible in anything but a 4×4 vehicle.

The Central Beacons team based themselves at Merthyr Tydfil police station and ferried police officers to incidents as well as conducting searches for two missing people, one in Merthyr and one in Aberdare, both of whom were found safe and well.

South Wales Police said a statement said “We don’t know how we could have managed without the help of the team. To think these people give their time voluntarily and have been here all weekend helping us, is just phenomenal.”

The rota ended on Sunday as police were able to use more of their own vehicles as conditions improved and snow was cleared.