Tributes have been paid to two “amazing, kind and caring” young men who died while hiking in Snowdonia.

Search teams found two bodies on Yr Wyddfa – also known as Snowdon – on Thursday 19 February after hikers, aged 19 and 20, were reported missing in freezing conditions.

Now the families of Eddie Hill and Jayden Long, from Dereham in Norfolk, have paid tribute to them online.

Josie Long, Mr Long’s sister, wrote: “I can’t believe I’m having to write this but unfortunately my amazing, kind and caring big brother passed away on Wednesday.

“I cannot put into words how hard this is for me and everyone who knew Jayden.

“He was doing something he loved and was taken from us too soon and he will be forever missed.”

North Wales Police, who are yet to officially name the men, said both had been formally identified.

Posting on social media, Mr Hill’s brother Harry, said: “Words cannot describe the pain that me and my family and friends are going through at the moment.”

He described Eddie as a “beautiful big brother” and a “beloved son” who “had such big plans for his future”.

He wrote: “He is the most beautiful boy inside and out and he will be missed dearly.”

Crews from Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team, RAF Mountain Rescue Service, SARDA and HM Coastguard had all joined the search for the two men.

Jurgen Dissmann, chair of Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, said: “On behalf of Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, I would like to extend our most heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the two men who have tragically lost their lives.

“The team were tasked by North Wales Police and launched an extensive multi-agency operation in full winter conditions. Volunteers searched across challenging mountain terrain in snow and ice, working long hours through the night in difficult weather in an effort to locate the pair as quickly as possible.

“Despite the determined and sustained commitment of everyone involved, we are deeply saddened that, despite all efforts, the outcome was not what we had hoped for.”

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