A YOUNG Wirral doctor was among those killed by an avalanche in the Scottish Highlands.

Rachel Majumdar, who was originally from Hoylake, was a doctor working at Harrogate District Hospital in North Yorkshire.

The "outgoing" 29-year-old was among a group who were struck at around 2pm on Saturday as they made their descent on Bidean Nam Bian in Glencoe.

The Deeside Orienteering Club, of which Rachel was a member, has passed on sympathies to her family.

A statement on their website said: “We are very sorry to have to report that Rachel died in the avalanche in Glencoe on Saturday 19 January.

The club sends its deepest sympathy to her family in their loss.”

In a special tribute to Rachel, her former school West Kirby Grammar said she "excelled" in all aspects of school life.

Deputy headteacher Kirsty Whiteley said: "We were shocked and saddened to learn of Rachel’s tragic accident.  Rachel was a delightful young woman who was very popular with both staff and other students. 

"Bright, outgoing and with a sense of fun she was the sort of person who lit up a room.  Rachel had many talents and excelled whilst at school academically but also in sport, art and music. 

"She was a keen orienteerer from an early age representing the North West whilst at school.  Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.”

Rachel was named by police on Monday as the fourth person killed in the avalanche.

PhD students Christopher Bell, 24, and Tom Chesters, 28, and 25-year-old junior doctor Una Finnegan were also swept to their deaths as they made their way down the mountain.

According to the Yorkshire Post, Rachel and Mr Chesters had been dating for "several years" and had "such a good future together."

The couple's friend Sam Morris, 35, told the newspaper that the only consolation in the tragedy was that the couple died side-by-side doing something they both loved.

Mr Morris said the pair met at university in Leeds and that they dreams to volunteer overseas together.

He told the Post: "They were in love since they met in their first year of university.

“They were just so soft and sweet with each other - two people so at ease together. They were having fun making plans.

“They had dreams of doing voluntary work oversees together.

“Some of the comfort we have drawn is that these guys had been together to the end. At least they were doing what they liked doing."

A 24-year-old woman from the Durham area, who was seriously hurt in the incident, remains in a critical condition in hospital in Glasgow.

Police identified the three other victims on Sunday but Dr Majumdar's name was withheld to allow her family members to inform other relatives.

Friends have said the group were experienced climbers who loved the mountains and were well-equipped for the trek.

Mr Bell, from Blackburn in Lancashire, was studying for a PhD in ocean mapping in Oban.

His parents were reported to be too upset to comment from their home in Osbaldeston, near Blackburn, but a tribute was issued on the Facebook page of his father's decking business, Evabel.

One man survived by leaping from the collapsing sheet of snow and hammering an ice axe into firmer ground.

Rachel’s funeral will be held on January 28 at St Agnes Church, Darmond’s Green, West Kirby at 11.30am, family flowers only.

Her family have asked for any donations to be given to Glencoe Mountain Rescue, via www.justgiving.com/glencoemountainrescue