More than 60 Army cadets who got into difficulty while training on a mountain in Northern Ireland are safe, a spokesman has said.

Cadets from the Cleveland Army Cadet Force in Middlebrough were on a training exercise in the Mourne range in Co Down when they became caught up in bad weather.

Three rescue helicopters, three rescue teams and two senior officers were involved in the operation - and the group included children aged between 12 and 17 years old.

Image: Three rescue helicopters were involved in the operation. Pic: Jill Macauley

Five people suffered ankle injuries after slipping on wet stones, and the Ministry of Defence has said several others were treated for the effects of exposure.

The Mournes are a range south of Belfast which is extremely popular with walkers - but like all mountains, the conditions can be unpredictable.


Northern Ireland Ambulance Service contacted the UK Coastguard shortly before noon requesting assistance after receiving several reports that a large group of people were in difficulty after being caught out in bad weather.

Those who were reported to be in difficulty were said to be suffering from hypothermia and lower leg injuries.

Image: The last of the injured cadets group being taken to Annalong Village for treatment. Pic: Jill Macauley

Young people from Middlesbrough were at their annual camp based at Ballykinlar, Northern Ireland, at the time, carrying out adventure training and cultural visits.

The local Ulster Unionist councillor for the area Jill Macauley described conditions as "terrible" and posted pictures that showed sodden roads and reduced visibility.