A member of a Dales-based mountain rescue team has died on a Scottish peak.

The body of Terry Trueman, a 48-year-old lecturer, of Skipton, was found today near Torridon in Ross and Cromerty.

Mr Trueman, a member of the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association, in Grassington, had been missing since Wednesday.

Highland police confirmed today that a body had been found at about 8.30am.

Mr Trueman, of Princess Crescent, Skipton, had set out alone on Wednesday to climb 3,456ft high Mount Liathach.

His wife, who was in Torridon with him, expected him back at 8pm on Wednesday and, when he failed to return, she alerted the authorities and a search was started early yesterday.

A police spokesman said: "The discovery of the body was made in the area of Torridon, Wester Ross.

"It was found shortly after the search for the man resumed this morning, involving a helicopter, search and rescue dogs, police and mountain rescue teams.

"The body was discovered about 850 metres up the mountain side and it appears he had fallen."

She said the police had informed Mr Trueman's wife and an investigation had been launched. The search involved members of the Torridon Mountain Rescue group and 13 members of RAF Kinloss Mountain Rescue Team and a RAF helicopter from Lossie- mouth.

Harry Long, of Silsden, a controller for the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association, said he was shocked and saddened by the news.

"After the length of time he was lost and in those conditions, there was a fear at the back of my mind that something had befallen him and prevented him getting back.

"It's a very sad blow to his family and friends."

Mr Long said Mr Trueman was a very skilled member of the fell rescue team and had been involved in a number of rescues, both underground and on the surface.

He had been a member for about 20 years and was skilled both in the mountains and as a potholer.

Liathach is a steep sided mountain with big ridges and is regarded as a considerable undertaking in severe winter weather.