A break in the weather this morning enabled rescue helicopters to reach eight snowbound mountaineers stranded in the Picos de Europa since last Tuesday.

Six had been sheltering in a hikers' refuge in Vega de Urriellu while the other two were in a similar facility in Cabrones.

The two helicopters - one operated by the Asturian fire service and the other by the Guardia Civil - took off shortly after first light at 8am and had completed their mission within the hour having been unable to take off yesterday as a result of the wintery conditions that have been affecting northern parts this week.

All eight mountaineers are said to be safe, well and glad to be finally on their way home.