25 searchers hunt for missing climbers in sub-zero temperatures on Ben Nevis

A 25-strong search team will brave severe sub-zero temperatures and the risk of an avalanche in the continuing 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 and treacherous conditions have hindered air and ground searches on Britain's highest peak.

Relatives of the pair from Bradford, West Yorkshire, remain hopeful the experienced climbers will be found.

High winds and driving snow led to the search being suspended on Friday and the Met Office has issued snow and ice warnings for much of northern Scotland over the weekend.

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team page said: "Firstly, our thoughts continue to be with Rachel and Tim's family and friends. We have assured them we will use our best efforts to find them.

"Today, we have 25 team members plus one dog out searching.

"Conditions still remain extremely challenging with considerable avalanche risk, high winds and heavy fresh snow above 500 metres.

"The temperature is around freezing at 500 metres and -6c on summit which feels like -19c with the windchill factor.

"As you might expect, a very subdued group during the briefing which was very much focused on staying safe.

"We talked to R951 (rescue helicopter team) this morning, but conditions at the moment preclude them being able to do much. If we get a weather window then they may join us.

"The search today will attempt to focus on the lower slopes from the North Face of Castle Ridge, Castle Coire, below Waterfall Gully and all the way round to the CIC hut.

"One team is going to attempt to look into the Castle Gullies and the Carn Dearg Summit Gullies, with due consideration for potential of triggering avalanches onto teams on the lower slopes.

"We have a drone which we will use to attempt to use to look onto some of the ledges above Waterfall Gully and lower slopes of Colando - expectations of it being able to operate are not high.

"We would like to thank everyone who has offered their assistance in the last few days.

"With conditions as they are we cannot afford to put any more people than absolutely necessary at risk and hope you appreciate why we have declined these generous offers.

"Our response for information has produced lots of information which has all been assessed and considered.

"The interest has been absolutely overwhelming with our Facebook page having had over 1.1 million visits this week alone, together with links to other forums such as UK Climbing Forum. Hopefully some of this information will lead to a result soon."

Mr Newton was a member of Hinckley Mountaineering Club in Leicestershire before moving away to university.

Club president David Gair said he has a wealth of experience garnered in the Himalayas, the Alps and in Scotland and is a "very competent mountaineer".

Ms Slater is a graduate of Manchester University and is employed as an environmental consultant near Bradford.

She spent some time living and climbing in Canada, where her parents are still based.

It is believed the couple had been camping behind the Charles Inglis Clark memorial hut on the north side of Ben Nevis.

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.

"As the search continues we remain hopeful Rachel and Tim will be found and reunited with their families and friends."