Search for missing Ben Nevis climbers to resume a week after they disappeared

Rescuers are set to resume the hunt for two climbers missing for a week in the Scottish Highlands.

Rachel Slater, 24, and Tim Newton, 27, failed to return from an outing on Ben Nevis last weekend with air and ground searches for the pair hindered by treacherous conditions.

High winds and driving snow meant search was suspended on Friday and the Met Office issued snow and ice warnings for most of northern Scotland over the weekend.

But calmer conditions expected on Saturday means rescue teams could resume efforts to trace the duo.

Relatives of the experienced climbers, from Bradford, said they remain hopeful they will be found.

A spokesman for Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team said: "The search will continue with an improvement in the weather conditions expected.

"We would like to thank the climbing community for their support during this difficult time."

In a joint statement released on Thursday their families said: "The overwhelming response from members of the public and the climbing community has greatly assisted the search effort and we appreciate all the support and words of encouragement.