A MAJOR search is underway for a soldier who was washed away while trying to cross a swollen stream.

Three soldiers fell into Risedale Beck during a training exercise on Hipswell Moor, south of Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, this morning.

Two of the soldiers were pulled from the stream but the third is still missing.

More than 20 search and rescue experts from Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team (SMRT) are searching the area.

Paul Denning, SMRT controller, said: "The conditions are very bad out there.

"You could cross the stream at one point this morning but its now in spate.

"We are searching the edge of the stream and the shallow waters on either side.

"We always start a search believing that whoever we are looking for is still alive - its a live casualty unit we have proof otherwise."

The stream flows into the River Swale at Brompton-on-Swale.

The Army, police and an RAF rescue helicopter are helping with the search.