Mountain rescuers plan to use a drone in the search for a couple missing on Ben Nevis.

Rachel Slater, 24, and Tim Newton, 27, failed to return from Britain's highest mountain on February 14.

A major search was organised but efforts have been hampered by hazardous weather and a high risk of avalanches.

A camera-equipped drone will be deployed on Thursday to help rescuers cover more ground in the treacherous conditions.

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team spokesman Miller Harris said: "We are asking climbers who are out in the area to post information regarding which locations they have been in so we can eliminate them.

"The avalanche risk continues to be high so it is very difficult to get our guys out on to the mountain.

"The drone trial will allow us to potentially access areas which are either too dangerous or inaccessible to get to on foot. We are determined to do our best to locate Rachel and Tim and are grateful to the drone company in their assistance to us.”

Thursday's trial will be one of the first times drones have been used by a Scottish mountain rescue team.

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

Ms Slater is a graduate of Manchester University and works as an environmental consultant near Bradford, West Yorkshire. She previously lived and climbed in Canada, where her parents still live.

Their families have praised the overwhelming response from members of the public and the climbing community.