Emergency teams have been dispatched to rescue more than 40 army cadets "in difficulty" on mountains in Northern Ireland.

The UK Coastguard helped police and paramedics conduct the rescue operation in the Mourne Mountains, County Down, on Wednesday afternoon.

Emergency services were alerted to the group being stranded following "inclement" weather", according to the UK coastguard.

A small number of the group, on an annual camp from Middlesbrough, required assistance for ankle injuries from slipping on stones and exposure.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the group included 43 young people and 10 leaders.

A spokesperson said: "PSNI and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service contacted UK Coastguard just before 12pm today (2 August) requesting assistance after receiving several reports that a large number of people were in difficulty after being caught out in inclement weather.

"Initial reports suggest that all members of the group are accounted for, however four people may be suffering from exposure."

Rescue teams from Newcastle, Bangor and Kilkeel, as well as helicopters based at Caernarfon and Prestwick, are involved in the operation.

For more on this story follow UTV's report.