A Sea King helicopter from RAF Valley at the rescue scene on Yr Arddu. Photo: Aberglaslyn MRT

A team of young people tackling a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition was rescued after getting into difficulties in the north Wales hills.

Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team was called out about 8.25pm today and was joined by South Snowdonia Search and Rescue Team in a six-hour operation to aid the five youngsters.

Gethin Edwards of the Aberglaslyn team said the rescue took place at Llyn yr Adar, near Craig  Llyn-llagi, east of Beddgelert.

He said: “The group had started their expedition two days earlier from Harlech and were aiming to achieve their gold award.

“On Tuesday evening, the group missed their checkpoint and set up camp for the evening.

“One member of the group had sustained a knee injury the previous day which had gradually got worse as the expedition went on. His knee had become swollen, painful to the touch and the male was unable to place weight on it.

The uninjured DofE team members were airlifted to a waiting Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team Land Rover. Photo: Aberglaslyn MRT

“The team deployed a Land Rover ambulance and eight team members to the incident, who deployed into the remote area from the village of Croesor.

“The South Snowdonia Search and Rescue Team was also called to assist.”

The group was found safe and well, but cold and wet.

Mr Edwards said: “Following an assessment of the casualty, a rescue helicopter from RAF Valley on Anglesey was called to assist.

“The remainder of the group were then airlifted to the awaiting team Land Rover ambulance at Croesor, while the casualty was then evacuated to Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor.”