Two men who died in a light aircraft crash off the Mull of Kintyre had just climbed Ben Nevis for charity before their deaths.

Tony Woodward, 62, and Bob Archer, 57, died after the Piper PA-28 crashed two miles off Skipness on Thursday last week.

The cause of the crash is currently being investigated by the Air Accidents Investigations Branch (AAIB).

The aircraft's pilot, Mr Woodward, was flying to Carlisle from Oban Airport on his way home from a challenge to climb the UK's highest peak to raise money for the children's hospice charity Shooting Star Chase.

Mr Woodward, from Bagshot in Surrey and Mr Archer from Harold Wood in Essex had taken part in the challenge with their friend Peter Ogilvie on Tuesday.

Mr Ogilvie from Slough, Berkshire, made his way home separately.

They had raised more than £2000 before the air crash and donations are continuing to pour in on their crowdfunding page.

It took more than nine hours for the men to scale the mountain, enduring snow and 40mph winds.

Posting on Facebook, Mr Ogilvie's wife Maria said: "They said it was the hardest thing they had ever done and was glad it was over, and very happy to have completed it.

"Tony and Bob were due to fly home on Wednesday but due to bad weather they were unable to take off and had to delay leaving until Thursday.

"We took them to Oban airport and they left around lunchtime. Tragically their plane crashed off the Mull of Kintyre and they both died.

"We are both in shock and been helping police as we were last people to see them alive."

Shooting Star Chase, which helps care for children with life-limiting conditions, has paid tribute to the men.

Acting chief executive Piers Vimpany said: "We are extremely saddened to learn of the death of Tony and Bob.

"Tony's company Mapcargo is very much part of the Shooting Star Chase family as one of our community business partners, and Tony had recently visited one of our hospices to see our work first hand.

"Shooting Star Chase would like to express their sincere condolences to Tony and Bob's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."

A major search was launched after contact was lost with the small aircraft.

A helicopter from Prestwick and four lifeboats were sent to the scene.

The search involved Prestwick, Tarbert and Campbeltown coastguard teams as well as Tighnabruaich and Arran lifeboats.

Debris from the plane, which left Oban Airport and was expected at Carlisle Lake District Airport, was found on Thursday.

The men's bodies were recovered later with formal identification taking place on Monday.

The AAIB says it has sent a team to the scene to investigate the crash.