Climbers rescued after avalanche

Five climbers were recovering in hospital last night after being swept 1,000ft down Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, by an avalanche.

The drama began when Norman Robinson, 30, from north London, and Wayne Horsefall, 31, from Buckinghamshire, were swept 100ft into a gully close to the summit of the 4,406ft peak. Three other climbers - David Fleming, 30, Michael Timson, 37, and Ian Krauklis, 31, all from Surrey - went to their aid, but a second avalanche swept all five 1,000ft to the bottom of the gully.

One was airlifted to hospital and the other four were taken down by mountain rescue team. Mr Robinson and Mr Horsefall were said to be "comfortable", while Mr Fleming was "stable".