The bodies of four tourists who died when a volcano in the Philippines erupted unexpectedly have been flown to Manila.

One Spaniard and three Germans were killed by the ash explosion on Tuesday and their remains retrieved from the Mayon Volcano in central Philippines.

The body of their Filipino guide, who also died, was airlifted out too.

Nine other climbers were injured as huge boulders rained down on the group.

It took nearly two days for rescuers to carry the bodies down the mountain as soldiers, police and volunteers battled rain on the steep, muddy slopes.

The remains are set to be repatriated later on Friday, according to airport officials.