Fears are growing for a journalist who has been reported missing on Ben Nevis.

Gavin Nightingale, who works for Essex County Newspapers, has not been seen since Friday, when he started heading up the Scottish mountain.

There is heavy snow on the higher ground, high winds and the risk of avalanche in the area.

An RAF helicopter began a search on Sunday when more than 60 rescue team members, some with dogs, took part. But poor weather and the risk of avalanche forced them to postpone efforts.

Gavin, (39), is in charge of sub-editing the Colchester Evening Gazette’s sister weekly papers across north and mid Essex.

Irene Kettle, Essex County Newspapers’ editor-in-chief, said: “All of Gavin’s friends and colleagues are hoping for the best.

“Our thoughts are with Gavin’s family.”

Gavin is an experienced and well-equipped climber who spends much of his time away from work climbing and hill-walking. He left his personal belongings at Glen Nevis Youth Hostel, where he was staying.

Gavin had not left details of where he was going, which has made the search more difficult for the authorities.

People at the hostel where he was staying told rescuers he had been planning to do something on the north face of the mountain.

A police spokesman said: “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.”

There had been a “possible sighting” but John Stevenson, deputy leader of Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team said: “After two full days missing on the Ben, things are looking bleak.”