A man who was trapped in a cave in Wales for more than two days has been safely rescued after a large operation involving many different rescue teams.
The man, who is in his 40s, was injured when he fell whilst caving and was left unable to get himself out of the Ogof Ffynnon Ddu cave system in the Brecon Beacons.
The experienced caver broken several bones after falling around 50 feet and had to be removed from the cave incredibly slowly by the 250 strong rescue team.
At around 7:45pm this evening he was successfully brought out of the cave after the longest rescue mission in the history of Welsh caving.
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After being lifted to the surface he was clapped and cheered by rescuers before being helped into a cave rescue Land Rover ready to be transported down to a waiting ambulance.
Around 70 volunteers made their way down off the mountain to the rescue centre before watching as the man, who is in his 40s, was driven away to Morriston Hospital in Swansea.
Described as an experienced caver, the man had been trapped since Saturday at around 1pm after suffering a fall.
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His injuries are said to be non-life threatening, but are believed to include a broken jaw, leg, and spinal injuries.
More than 240 people have been involved in the the operation, and at least eight cave rescue teams from around the UK.
Peter Francis, a SMWCRT spokesperson, said the rescue is the longest in South Wales caving history.
The 74-year-old said: "This is the longest rescue we've ever done but we're very pleased with the progress being made.
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"The caver was very unlucky here. He's an experienced caver, a fit caver. And it was a matter of putting his foot in the wrong place.
"He wasn't in a dangerous part of the cave, it's just something moved from under him."
Teams came to aid the rescue effort from as far away as Upper Wharfedale in North Yorkshire, and they were 'absolutely delighted' after managing to get the man to safety.
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One rescuer told The Mirror: "It was bloody hard work. But well worth to know he is out and alive - it could have been any of us in there.
"It is good to know there are cavers who are your mates to save your life."
Gary Mitchell, surface controller for South and Mid Wales Cave Rescue Team, said the man was in 'good spirits'.
Additional reporting from PA News Agency.
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Topics: UK News