A teenage scout was killed in a Highlands avalanche in front of his mother.

The incident occurred yesterday during a scouting trip.

The teenager named as Stephen Young, was on a Scout trip when he went under the avalanche on 3701ft in Inverness-shire.

The tragic incident was witnessed by Young’s mother who was also in the group and by members of an English mountain rescue team who were on an exercise in the area.

Stephen was flown by helicopter to hospital in Fort William but pronounced dead on arrival.

He hit the headlines two years ago after spending a year camping in his garden to raise money for charity.

The Explorer Scout, from Borough Green, near Sevenoaks, Kent, collected £2500 for a children’s hospice.

Last night, Scout Association spokesman Simon Carter said: “Stephen was part of an experienced, all-adult group who were on their annual trip to the region to expand their winter hillwalking skills.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Stephen’s family and friends at this very sad time.

A report on the incident will be sent to the procurator fiscal.