A search for a Colchester climber reported missing on Ben Nevis has been suspended with no sign of the man.
Gavin Nightingale - an experienced and well-equipped climber missing on Ben Nevis.
Gavin Nightingale, 39, who works for Essex County Newspapers, was reported overdue on Saturday after heading up the Scottish 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 yesterday. But poor weather and the risk of avalanche forced them to postpone efforts.
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 Wednesday, or even Thursday."
Mr Nightingale, an experienced and well-equipped climber who spent much of his time away from work climbing and hill-walking, left his personal belongings at Glen Nevis Youth Hostel, where he was staying.
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."
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Monday, February 14, 2005
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