The devastated family of a Watford lecturer who died on the slopes of Britain’s highest mountain said a gaping hole has been left in their lives.

Ian Bell, who worked at West Herts College, was found dead in a gully in Coire Eòghainn, Scotland, a treacherous area of the mountain that has claimed two more lives this week, on Monday, August 3.

The 60-year-old father to Oscar 23 and Louie, 21, failed to return from a walk on Carn Mòr Dearg trail on Sunday.

The Lochaber Mountain Rescue team were alerted on Monday after Julia had raised the alarm, and following a day of searching Ian's body was recovered.

Julia said: "Ian’s death leaves a gaping hole in our lives.

"Ian loved the mountains, and the mountains have taken him.

"This has been a huge shock to us and to so many friends and family. We had hoped that the rescue team would find him alive.

"Ian was such a popular, deeply respected man.

"Ian has been robbed of his future years. These past 10 days has been more awful than anyone can imagine.

"We can all take comfort that he died in a place he loved. But we will miss him so much."

Ian's sons Louie and Oscar added: “He was our hero. He always will be.”

Ian's colleagues and students at West Herts College have expressed their shock.

Jonathan Taylor, West Herts College teacher, said: "Ian was my mentor, my role model, my colleague and my friend and I was proud to be part of his media team. I will never forget him."

In addition to his professional life teaching and inspiring students, Ian, who lived in Hemel Hempstead, taught himself how to play the hurdy gurdy and devoted his time to his family.

Julia said: "Ian loved performing with his hurdy gurdy and playing to friends at parties.

"He played at his 60th birthday celebrations in May and had been recently been invited to be part of the Proms family performance event at the Albert Hall."

Ian was a member of the Labour Party, campaigned to support the miners, and also added his weight to the anti-apartheid campaign, CND and other political struggles.

His sister Moira described him as a "trustworthy, reliable man, a great brother, wonderful uncle and someone who was always there".

Julia said: "Ian grew up in Hemel and forged so many friendships locally. He was deeply respected and admired by so many."

The family is planning a celebration of his life on Friday at a service at West Herts Crematorium.

Julia said everyone who knew Ian and who wants to come and pay their respects is welcome.

The family are collecting for the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team and have thanked Co-operative Funeral Services for helping bring Ian’s body back from Scotland after a post mortem.