TRIBUTES have been paid to a victim of last week's avalanche in the Highlands whose parents live on Exmoor.

Flight Lieutenant Fran Capps, a logistics officer with the Royal Air Force and a keen mountaineer, was one of three climbers killed when they were buried in snow after the incident in the Chalamain Gap area.

The 32-year-old's parents, Gillian, a nurse at Minehead Hospital, and Julian Capps - who also served with the RAF - have lived at South Huckham, Exton, near Dulverton, since 2009.

Flt Lt Capps, was with a group of off-duty RAF personnel on an expedition in the Cairngorms when tragedy struck.

The other victims included Squadron Leader Rimon Than, who was based at RAF Valley in North Wales, and a male student on a course at the Glenmore Lodge centre who was part of a second group of climbers.

Flt Lt Capps, one of three children, was commissioned into the RAF in 2001 and worked on a variety of the service's stations, most recently with the Chinook Force at RAF Odiham in Hampshire.

She had previously served on operational tours in Iraq, the Falkland Islands, Afghanistan and Qatar.

RAF colleagues have paid tribute to her remarkable commitment, describing her as an exceptional person and officer.

Group Captain Dominic Toriati, station commander at RAF Odiham, said she was well known for her joie de vivre and utter professionalism.

"Fran achieved success wherever she served, most recently receiving a Chief of Joint Operations Commendation for her professional excellence, confidence and 'can-do' approach in Al Udeid," he said.

"From Basrah to Kandahar to the Falkland Islands, Fran's boundless spirit and energy shone through."

Group Captain Toriati said Flt Lt Capps was a popular and dynamic officer with huge potential for the future and her loss would be sorely felt.

Flt Lt Capps was a member of the RAF Mountaineering Association and had taken part and led overseas expeditions.

Association chairman Wing Commander Ian Richardson described her as "bubbly and enthusiastic".

"Fran was always smiling, always enthusiastic, always welcoming and always willing to get involved and share her love of the hills with everyone in the association and beyond.

"She will be sorely missed."