Mountain rescue teams have launched a search for a group of children lost in the Brecon Beacons in atrocious weather conditions.

The alarm was raised at about 1pm and saw three mountain rescue teams and police deployed.

It is believed that around 20 schoolchildren are missing in total and that they were last seen near Tafarn Y Garreg, Abercraf, Powys.

Ages of the pupils and where they are from has yet not been confirmed, but the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team confirmed it was taking part in the operation.

The children are said to have been completing their Duke of Edinburgh awards. 

The search came as south west Wales was hit by heavy rainfall on Wednesday afternoon.