Tributes have been paid to a "valued friend and colleague" who died while out walking in the Scottish Highlands.

Scottish police earlier confirmed that the body found on Ben Nevis, was that of journalist Gavin Nightingale.

The 38-year-old Colchester man was reported missing on February 12, while out walking. The cause of death is not yet known.

Irene Kettle, editor-in-chief of Essex County Newspapers, said: "I have spoken with Gavin's family… This will at least allow them to move on to the next stage of the grieving process.

"We have all lost a valued friend and colleague who we will never forget."

Gavin, (left), managed the central publishing unit for Essex County Newspapers, where he was in charge of sub-editing the Colchester Evening Gazette's sister weekly papers across north and mid Essex.

The experienced walker was last seen leaving the Glen Nevis youth hostel to climb the mountain.

He fell in love with hill-walking when taken to Snowdonia as a 15-year-old by his father. He had ten years of experience behind him and his parents, John and Frances, said he would not have gone out if the conditions were too bad.

Gavin also enjoyed bird-watching, riding his 1200cc Kawasaki motorbike, fishing and going to watch Colchester United play football.

Colchester United chief executive Marie Partner, was preparing to send a letter of condolence to his family.

She said: "We are all shocked. It is such a shame that something like this should happen so early on in life. We want to make sure our sympathies and condolences are passed on to the family. It is so sad."

The newspaper company is also planning a tribute, and will work with his family to decide what form that will take.

It is not yet known whether a fatal accident inquiry, Scotland's equivalent to an inquest, will be carried out.