A health and safety investigation has begun into how a 13-year-old girl fell into a gorge near the Brecon Beacons, mid Wales, late on Tuesday evening.

Emergency services, including mountain rescue teams, were involved in a four-hour operation at Llaneglwys after Chloe Patel fell 15 feet down the gorge, injuring her spine.

But rescue efforts were held up by high winds and rain and the steep terrain.

It is believed the girl was with a group staying at an outdoor pursuits centre, but it is not known why they were out walking so late.

Chloe Patel was at an oudoor pursuits centre

Inspector Terry Davies of Dyfed-Powys Police said rescuers had put their own safety at risk during the operation.

At one stage emergency services considered the risky use of a helicopter above the treeline to winch the girl out of the hole, said Insp Davies.

But mountain rescue workers were able to move the girl out of the gorge and she was found to be conscious and breathing.

A hospital spokesperson said she was in a comfortable condition.

Rescuer Mark Jones said Chloe had been moved out of the water to protect her from the cold.

She was flown by helicopter from RAF Chivenor to Morriston Hospital in Swansea, where tests were carried out to assess the extent of her spinal injuries.

It is understood the teenager was injured after falling from a rope slide across a ravine, while making a second crossing without a harness.

"There was atrocious weather and high winds but because of the situation and the age of the child they wanted to ensure she was okay.

The accident took place on an adventure holiday

"We're talking about very steep contours. It was very dangerous especially with the weather conditions. The mountain rescue did a great job."

Mr Davies added: "When they did eventually get the stretcher out, mountain rescue got her out by hand.

"They had to make their way across the fields to where the landing stretch was for the helicopter."

The child's parents were contacted and are driving to her bedside from the family home in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.

An investigation will begin on Wednesday with the Health and Safety Executive to discover why the party was walking near the Brecon Beacons National Park so late at night.