A search for a climber reported missing on Ben Nevis has been suspended.

Missing - Essex County Newspapers journalist Gavin Nightingale

Gavin Nightingale, 39, who works for Essex County Newspapers, was reported overdue on Saturday after heading up the mountain on Friday.

An RAF helicopter started looking for Mr Nightingale, who is in charge of sub-editing the Gazette's sister weekly papers across north and mid Essex.

More than 60 rescue team members, some with dogs, were taking part in the search on Sunday.

But poor weather and the risk of avalanche forced them to postpone efforts yesterday.

A police spokesman said today: "It looks as if the search won't start again until the weather improves and there is enough of a thaw to reduce the risk of avalanche. It looks as if that might not be until tomorrow or even Thursday."

Essex County Newspapers editor-in-chief, Irene Kettle, said: "All of Gavin's friends and colleagues are hoping for the best. Our thoughts are with Gavin's family."

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Published Tuesday, February 15, 2005

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