The men have been named locally as Eddie Hill, 20, and Jayden Long, 19, both from the Dereham area.

The friends had been on a hiking trip to the Snow National Park when they were reported missing on Wednesday.

 Mountain rescue crews carried out extensive searches on the Yr Wyddfa mountain range on the same day.

The bodies of the men were discovered when searches continued on Thursday.

No information has been provided as to how or where on the mountain the men died, but the weather conditions were believed to be freezing at the time with snow and ice on the ground. 

Eddie Hill, 20 (Image: Instagram)

The men have been formally identified and their families have been informed.

Tributes have been paid to the pair on social media by family and friends.

Jayden Long, 19 (Image: Instagram)

Jurgen Dissmann, chairman of Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, said: "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."

Mr Dissmann said volunteers searched across challenging mountain terrain in snow and ice, working long hours through the night in difficult weather to try and find the pair.

"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."

The force has asked that the privacy of both families is respected at this difficult time.

© Eastern Daily Press