The plight of seven teenage girls who got into difficulties in poor weather on the slopes of Slieve Donard has again highlighted the vital work carried out by the volunteers of the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team.
Two of the girls, who were aged between 16 and 17 and involved in a camping expedition, were treated for the effects of extreme cold, with one taken to hospital, but all have made full recoveries.
Members of the rescue unit were able to swiftly locate the teenagers, even after their mobile phone connection failed in limited visibility on Monday night, and what could have been a crisis had a happy ending.
The mountain team is on call around the clock in all conditions, and everyone who spends time in the Mournes has good reason to be thankful for the outstanding service which it provides.
