A TRIO of hikers took to social media when they were left stranded in North Wales after one of them tested positive for coronavirus.

Paul McErlean, who had been hiking along the Snowdonia Way for nine hours with pals Charlie Coward and Andreas Maltan, received a text telling him he had tested positive for the viris.

The news meant they were unable to stay at their intended campsite near, the three men took to social media to make a desperate appeal for help.

So the friends, who were visiting from Northern Ireland, took to Twitter.

23-year-old Paul's tweet on July 23 said: "ADVICE NEEDED.

"Me and 2 lads are hiking in Wales, just got a positive Covid test 20 mins ago.

"Can't stay at the planned campsite tonight, have nowhere to isolate and already know every B&B etc. is booked up.

"No accommodation, no transport and just finished a near 30km hike. What do we do?"

The plea was retweeted by Lisa McGee, writer of the hit comedy series Derry Girls, and former British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith offered the lads use of her caravan.

Labour Party Irish Society tweeted: "A great story of public generosity to help three lads from Derry stranded in Snowdonia including from who offered her caravan in North Wales."

The men ended up staying in a vacant property Cheshire for a fortnight.

On Wednesday, Paul tweeted: "Due to the amount of attention this has got today I’d like to just thank everyone again for any and all help offered.

"It was an unexpected situation and glad to now be home."