A couple described as "devoted and selfless" by loved ones have been found dead after going missing on holiday.

Rachael and Helen Patching, who are both from West Malling, were visiting Ystradfellte Falls in Powys, Wales, when they disappeared on January 4.

The alarm was raised by locals after two people were spotted in the water, sparking a large-scale search for the pair.

Emergency services discovered one body the following day, but were unable to find the second until Sunday.

And today their devastated families have paid tribute to the women.

In a joint statement, they said: "We are devastated to have suffered such an immeasurable loss following the news of Rachael and Helen’s passing at just 33 and 52.

"They were such a devoted, selfless, and loving couple having had an immensely positive impact on all those they met.

"Their love for animals and dedication to caring for them so lovingly over the years made them a truly admirable credit to themselves and society."

Fire service crews, mountain rescue workers and national air support services were all involved in the four-day search for the women.

Emergency service officials had said high levels of fast-flowing river water and the bad weather had made their rescue mission even more difficult.

The families thanked the search teams for providing "such generous support and guidance and for helping so selflessly at such a difficult time".

"There are no words that can express enough how highly they were both thought of by family members, friends, and colleagues," they added.

"We would now like time to grieve and would ask to be given privacy in which to do so."