The Coastguard helicopter in action during the rescue. Photo: Western Beacons Mountain Search and Rescue Team

Two hypothermic walkers were airlifted to hospital after spending the night on a south Wales mountain.

The pair contacted police from the Black Mountain area of the Brecon Beacons about 6pm on Saturday.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the men, in their 40s and from the south Wales area, were believed to be well equipped, with one of them described as an experienced hillwalker.

Western Beacons Mountain Search and Rescue Team said they managed to contact the two men by phone but the signal was poor. A spokesperson said: “The team was deployed and quickly realised that due to the atrocious weather we would need assistance from our colleagues in the Central Beacons team, and later all south Wales teams, including Brecon and Longtown, were asked to assist. The search continued through the night and into today.

A Central Beacons team spokesperson said: “In strong winds and heavy rain with our friends from Brecon Mountain Rescue Team and Longtown Mountain Rescue Team we searched the Black Mountain area throughout the night and into this morning.

“As daylight dawned we were joined by Coastguard Rescue helicopter crew from St Athan who flew throughout some pretty poor weather and located the missing walkers just after midday today.

“They were treated for the effects of hypothermia and flown to hospital. We send our very best wishes for their speedy recovery.”

A police spokesperson said: “Their conditions are not thought to be life-threatening at this time.”