Rescuers are planning a major effort at the weekend to find journalist Gavin Nightingale, who is missing on Ben Nevis.

Still missing - Gavin Nightingale

Through the week, police and mountain rescue teams have been hampered by severe weather in their search for Mr Nightingale, 38.

The experienced and well-equipped hill walker, who is in charge of sub-editing the Gazette's weekly sister papers across north and mid Essex, failed to return after ascending the mountain on Friday.

A team was out on the mountain's lower slopes yesterday to assess weather conditions, with particular concern about the risk of avalanches.

A spokesman for Northern Constabulary said: "Members of the mountain rescue team have been out today, but are no further forward.

"We are hoping for a thaw at the weekend and then a full-scale search will resume."

An RAF helicopter and more than 60 rescue team members, some with dogs, were involved in the initial search.

Published Friday, February 18, 2005

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette