North East cadets spark rescue mission after getting trapped up a mountain
More than 60 Cleveland teens were on an adventure holiday in Ireland - before bad weather set in.
More than 60 Cleveland teenagers have been at the centre of a massive rescue operation - as their Irish adventure holiday has turned to disaster.
They're army cadets, aged between 12 and 17, at a summer camp in an area of the Mourne Mount called Newcastle.
A total of five walkers suffered ankle injuries and another four were treated for exposure to the elements.
They are all being helped off the mountains by members of the emergency services.
The mountain rescue team said: At the minute there is no one in difficulty because they are all being looked after.
At the minute it is nothing out of the ordinary.''
The Mournes are a scenic range south of Belfast which is extremely popular with walkers but like all mountains the conditions can be unpredictable.
The rescue team added: Everything is under control and within normal team procedure.
At present the members of the group are being guided by the team to nearby road access.
NIAS (Northern Ireland Ambulance Service) are in attendance to provide any medical support required.''
The Coastguard was contacted just before midday on Wednesday requesting assistance.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: Initial reports suggest that all members of the group are accounted for, however four people may be suffering from exposure.''
Newcastle, Bangor and Kilkeel Coastguard Rescue Teams, and the UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopters based at Caernarfon and Prestwick, were on scene.
Also attending were the Irish Coastguard Rescue 116 helicopter, Mourne Mountain Rescue Team, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and ambulance service.
An MoD spokesman said: We are exceptionally grateful for their assistance.'