Rescuers in central Italy have found 10 survivors after an avalanche buried a mountain hotel - and six have been pulled out so far.

Video showed two people - a mother and her son - being helped out by cheering rescuers, through a hole in the snow.

The avalanche struck the Rigopiano hotel, in the Abruzzo region, on Wednesday after several earthquakes.

At least four people died and about 20 are still missing. Deep snow blocking the access road hampered the rescue.

A woman told the BBC that three of her relatives were among those rescued on Friday.

Their father - who was already being treated at the local hospital - was taken to see them, she said.

"His wife is from Romania, she is 43 years old - her daughter just turned six years old, and the boy is eight,” said the woman, who asked not to be identified.

"They were on holiday and just getting ready to leave when the avalanche came.”

She said all but the young girl had been released from hospital after treatment.

The survivors reportedly took refuge beneath a collapsed portion of ceiling, where they were able to light a fire to keep warm.

Agencies