EMERGENCY rescue teams have been searching in the Swansea Valley looking for a group of children believed to have gone missing on a mountainside.

Three mountain rescue teams, Brecon, Central Beacons and Western Beacons, Dyfed-Powys Police and Welsh Air Service were alerted at around 1pm this afternoon and are searching around Tafarn Y Garreg, near Abercraf.

Central Beacons Mountain Rescue said the team believed it knew where the children were but due to poor weather conditions and low clouds was hampering visibility and the search.

The children, who are said to be from England and in their mind-teens, are reportedly in the Brecon Beacons as part of their Duke of Edingbrugh Award.

Concern was expressed for their welfare due to the inclement weather.

Mountain rescue teams are leading the search activity and the UK Coastguard helicopter is also assisting. The number of children in the group has not been confirmed, but reports say it could be up to 24.

The Coastguard rescue helicopter from RAF St Athan has also been sent to the scene to help with the search.

Sarah Williams, councillor for Abercraf, said: "You see lots of school minibuses up there, and a lot of them are from England, and local comprehensive schools do go up there as well.

“Let’s hope they are all found safe and well."

A recent update from incident control has advised that the MCGA rescue helicopter from St Athan has spotted the group and is unable to land.

One resident said: “I saw the helicopter fly over around mid-day but nothing since.

"It was really pouring down this morning and it’s really misty, not the weather to be out on the mountains.”

Local landlord Andy Maglaras has told the media: "A member of the rescue team has asked if they could bring them here to get warm.

"The car park is full and a helicopter landed in a field behind me."