THE body of a North-East mountain guide has yet to be recovered following an avalanche in the Indian Himalayas.

British Mountain Guides said the body of Martin Moran, 64, is still missing after a search operation which saw those of seven other climbers recovered.

The group, understood to be comprised of four Britons, two Americans, one Australian and an Indian liaison officer, vanished in the Nanda Devi region on May 26 following an avalanche.

The team was attempting to reach the top of an unclimbed peak in a remote area.

British Mountain Guides (BMG) said: "We are sad to share the news that the eighth and still missing body is that of our member Martin Moran.

"The thoughts of all British Mountain Guides go out to the eight families and friends involved in this tragic incident."

The organisation said it understood the bodies of the other men will be repatriated to their respective countries in the coming days.

Mr Moran, originally from Tyneside, has been a mountain guide since 1985 and set up his company – Moran Mountain, based in Strathcarron in the Scottish Highlands – with his wife Joy, while their grown-up children Hazel and Alex also work for the business.

Paying tribute, BMG said: "Martin has been an active, full member of the British Mountain Guides for 34 years, once holding the post of treasurer and participating fully in training events, passing on his valuable experiences and knowledge to others.

"He was the very embodiment of a British and International Mountain Guide, highly respected and a consummate professional."