The family was airlifted from Fan Brycheiniog. Photo: John Dyason CC-BY-SA-2.0

Rescuers used smartphone software to locate a family who were airlifted after getting into difficulties in the Black Mountain of south Wales.

The man and his two children called for help at 2.15pm today and three mountain rescue teams responded.

Western Beacons Mountain Search and Rescue Team was joined by colleagues from Brecon and Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Teams to find the group of three on the Carmarthen Fans.

The three teams rendezvoused at the car park below Llyn y Fan Fach and volunteer members set out to search for the family.

The Sarloc system, designed by former Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation member Russ Hore, was used to send a message to the walker’s smartphone, which enabled rescuers to pinpoint their position on Fan Brycheiniog.

An RAF Sea King search and rescue helicopter then flew from RM Chivenor near Barnstaple, Devon to the area.

A Western Beacons spokesperson said: “The father and two children were quickly located and collected by the helicopter and returned to the car park and the waiting mountain rescue teams.

“They were found to be cold, but otherwise unharmed, and after warming up they were quickly on their way home.”

Nick Hardwidge, of the Western Beacons team, said, “Given the amount of snow on the ground in the Carmarthen Fans and Brecon Beacons, we are pleased to report that this is our first call out for the entire bank holiday weekend.

“It should be noted that the family were seen to be well equipped and had the good sense to call for help immediately they got into difficulty. “