This is the moment a group of tourists had to abandon their position and run as Mount Etna began to erupt.

Benjamin Hallam-Furneaux, 37, was taking part in a guided tour of the volcano when Etna began spewing ash and smoke.

Dramatic footage shows a large plume rising into the sky as tourists start to run.

Benjamin, from the Peak District, England, said: "You can vaguely make me out in the video saying 'time to go' and the guides shouting 'run'. "

"So obviously we turned and ran down the mountain. "

"A few minutes after this video, the ash cloud blocked out the sun then it started raining grit and ash. "

"Visibility became reduced to maybe 10m or so people were falling over and sliding down the mountain." "

Shortly before the eruption, the group had been standing in the path of a potential pyroclastic flow, a fast-moving current of hot gas and volcanic matter, but were moved after the guides "spotted something they didn't like."

Benjamin said: "Incredible individuals whose knowledge and experience kept us safe."

"In hindsight, absolutely humbling and an incredible experience."