A party of five had a lucky escape today when they were caught in an avalanche in No.4 Gully on Ben Nevis, triggered by a cornice collapse. According to Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team everyone managed to walk out, with only one 'very minor' injury among them.

It was the team's first callout of 2015, and a 'new major avalanche protocol worked well', they say on their Facebook page.

Under the new arrangements Helicopters from Prestwick and Lossiemouth attended the scene, and an emergency Medical Team from Paisley were mobilised along with Glencoe MRT and the Ski Patrol from Aonach Mor.

'Although not needed it was [a] good test of [the] system' say Lochaber MRT. 'Hope it is not needed again this year.'