The families of two young climbers missing on Britain's highest peak for four days "remain hopeful" they will be found.
Rachel Slater, 24, and Tim Newton, 27, failed to return from an outing on Ben Nevis in the Scottish Highlands at the weekend.
Heavy snow, fog and high winds have hindered mountain rescue teams since then, and the search is currently suspended because of an avalanche risk.
Rachel Slater and Tim Newton have been missing since the weekend (Police Scotland/PA Wire)
It is believed the experienced climbers, from Bradford in West Yorkshire, had been camping behind the Charles Inglis Clark memorial hut on the north side of Ben Nevis.
A helicopter assisted with searches for a short period on Wednesday before being diverted to a nearby avalanche in which a man died and another was injured.
Ms Slater's family have reportedly flown to Scotland from Canada to be kept up to date with the latest developments.
In a joint statement with Mr Newton's family, they thanked rescue teams for their work.
They said: "We are extremely grateful to members of the emergency services and search and rescue personnel who are searching for Rachel and Tim.
"The overwhelming response from members of the public and the climbing community has greatly assisted the search effort and we appreciate all the support and words of encouragement.
"As the search continues we remain hopeful Rachel and Tim will be found and reunited with their families and friends."
The families added that Ms Slater is thought to have been wearing a turquoise jacket and purple helmet while Mr Newton was wearing a red jacket.
They added: "As a family we urge anyone who was in the Ben Nevis area last weekend and may have seen or spoken to Rachel and Tim at any time to get in touch.
"We'd also like to appeal to anyone planning to climb or hike in the area this weekend to be aware of the ongoing search activity and to report anything they feel may be relevant - even if it appears insignificant - to police on 101."
Meanwhile, the family of a hillwalker who died after being missing overnight with two friends in Dumfries and Galloway have thanked rescuers involved in the search.
Geoffrey Stewart, 74, died in hospital after he was found on the hills near Durisdeer.
His walking companion George Crosbie, 73, also died, while Bobby Thomson, 64, is recovering in Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary.
A large-scale search involving police and mountain rescue teams was launched for the three men after they failed to return from a walk on Tuesday afternoon.
They were found 2.5 miles east of the village of Durisdeer on Wednesday and were airlifted to hospital.
Police confirmed shortly afterwards that Mr Crosbie had died. Mr Stewart died in hospital on Wednesday night.
Relatives of Mr Stewart have released a statement through Police Scotland.
It said: "Our family would like to extend our love and thoughts to the families involved at this very sad and tragic time.
"Sincere gratitude and appreciation goes out to all the services involved in the rescue efforts and hospital staff at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary."
Moffat Mountain Rescue Team said 16 members searched into the night after the men were reported missing amid heavy rain and snow, with high winds and poor visibility.
Other rescue teams joined the efforts on Wednesday, along with a Coastguard helicopter, taking the number of people involved to more than 50.
The men were found by mid-afternoon by the helicopter and taken to hospital.
Colin Golphin, Moffat Mountain Rescue Team leader, said, "The weather, although okay during the day, deteriorated rapidly overnight. The team searched the hills during the night in extremely poor conditions.
"The team are grateful for the help of our neighbouring teams, the Search and Rescue Dog Association, RAF Leeming MRT and the Coastguard helicopter R999.
"Our condolences are with the family of the walkers who died."
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