Ben Nevis. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

A climber has died after falling 2,000ft during an avalanche on Ben Nevis.

His companion was taken to hospital after a rescue operation lasting eight hours.

Police Scotland was alerted to the incident about 3.35pm on Friday, and Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, accompanied by colleagues from the Glencoe team, made their way to the scene on the mountain’s North Face.

The Inverness Coastguard search and rescue helicopter also flew to the area.

Lochaber MRT said the two climbers were found in the area of Number Two Gully.

A police spokesperson said: “A 48-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene and a 40-year-old man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.”

A Lochaber MRT spokesperson said the pair had slid about 600m down the mountain, with one sustaining fatal injuries.

“With the weather creating some challenging conditions the helicopter was limited to the assistance it could offer.

“This meant that we had an extended extrication of the casualties and eight hours after the initial call we delivered the casualty to the Belford Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

“At this time, our thoughts are with the families of both involved.”