A "devoted and selfless" couple found dead after going missing on holiday drowned while visiting a waterfall, an inquest has heard.

Rachael and Helen Patching, 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, January 8.

Today, an inquest at Pontypridd Coroners Court heard Helen Patching was located within the water of the waterfall.

The BBC reported that police received a call from a member of the public who "spotted a body at Spring Lakes campsite between Glynneath and Resolven".

Officers from South Wales Police attended and located Rachel Patching at the river's edge.

A post-mortem examination found both women had died due to drowning.

The coroner for south Wales central, Patricia Morgan, sent her "deepest condolences" to the friends and families of both women.

Rachel and Helen's devastated families had previously paid tribute to the two 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."

Rachael Patching's brother, Matthew Patching, explained the pair were on a walking holiday after the New Year.

They had left on Monday, January 2 and alarm bells began to ring when nobody had heard from them on Wednesday, January 4.

Matthew said: "They were both really adventurous, selfless, caring and loving people.

"They loved animals and were both vegans. You couldn't have asked for two more selfless people.

"Everyone they met thought so highly of them."

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".