15 July 2012 Last updated at 19:26 ET

Scout group airlifted to safety

A group of 16 scouts and three leaders had to be rescued after becoming stuck in marshland

A group of scouts had to be airlifted to safety after getting stuck in marshland in a Hampshire country park.

The children, aged between 10 and 13, were hiking in Itchen Valley Country Park in Southampton when the emergency services were alerted on Sunday.

The Solent Coastguard rescue helicopter was scrambled and took them to safety.

Kevin Everett, of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The children all have smiley faces and are happily talking about their adventurous day."

'Safe and well'

The emergency services were alerted shortly after 16:30 BST.

Sixteen children and three leaders were rescued.

A Solent Coastguard spokesman said: "The Coastguard rescue helicopter located the group between areas of mud near the river.

"The helicopter was able to land on a stable area and then lifted the group to dry land.

"Members of Hillhead and Portsmouth Coastguard rescue teams secured the landing site for the helicopter and all members of the group are reported to be safe and well."