Ben Nevis climber killed in 1,000-ft plunge

An experienced climber from the West Midlands has been killed after falling more than1,000ft on the UK's highest mountain.

Paul Guest, from Kinlet, near Kidderminster, died after the fall on the 4,406ft high Ben Nevis.

Mr Guest, aged 32, had scaled peaks across the world, including the Changuch in the Himalayas.

And rescuers say that he and his climbing companion on Ben Nevis had good equipment and had "done everything right".

He was climbing Ben Nevis on Sunday with David Warden, who also fell but survived.

Police said the 46-year-old, who lives in Perth, is in a serious condition at Belford Hospital, Fort William.

Mr Guest's parents, Peter and Christine Guest, today paid tribute to him, saying they were "immensely proud" of his achievements.

In a joint statement they said: "Paul was quietly confident and modest about his achievements but with well over 500 climbs under his belt he achieved a great deal and, as a family, we are immensely proud of his achievements.

"He was incredibly loyal and generous, having friends from all walks of life and all parts of the UK.

"Paul always loved sports and started playing volleyball at the age of 14 and through friendships he made he went on to start climbing and then discovered his true passion."

Mr Guest, who has two sisters, Katie, 30, and Jemma, 28, took up mountaineering aged 21.

The mountains he tackled in the Himalayas and Bolivia include Mont Blanc, The Matterhorn, The Eiger and Illimani, with heights ranging from 13,000 to 21,000ft.

He worked on his parents' farm and also helped out with their lawn mowing business.

He would take part in local shooting events and was a fan of outdoor sports, his parents said. They added: "It goes without saying that he will be badly missed and mourned by many people."

Councillor David Haywood, chairman of Kinlet Parish Council, said Mr Guest was a "popular young man". He added: "He was a very talented young rock climber and what has happened is an absolute tragedy. He achieved a lot in his climbing career."