A North Yorkshire school has broken the news to parents that two climbers killed in France were fathers of young children there.

John Taylor, 48, and Steve Barber, 47, from Poppleton, were among nine people who died in an avalanche near the resort of Chamonix on Thursday 12 July.

Estelle O'Hara, head teacher of Poppleton Ousebank Primary School, offered "thoughts and prayers" to their families.

Pictured: Steve Barber (above) and John Taylor (below)

It is understood that the climb was to raise money for St Leonard's Hospice and the school has offered to collect on their behalf.

The third British victim of the avalanche was mountain guide Roger Payne, who has been described as one of the country's most experienced climbers.

Councillor James Alexander, Labour leader of City of York Council, said: "I am deeply saddened by the news that two Poppleton residents lost their lives in Thursday's avalanche in Chamonix, France.

"I would like to offer their families and friends my condolences and offer any support and assistance we can provide at this difficult time."

Foreign Secretary William Hague has described the disaster as "a terrible tragedy".

Mr Taylor's wife Karine said: "We are all truly devastated about this loss.

"John always had a keen interest in outdoor activities taking up mountaineering in 1998 and was a highly regarded and very active member of mountain rescue teams himself.

"John had climbed several challenging mountains across the world, including Mont Blanc on two previous occasions.

"He was a highly respected climber and this event represents a significant loss to the UK climbing community.

"In his personal life, John was a finance director, working within the public and private sectors.

"He will be sadly missed by his work colleagues.

"The family would like to pay tribute to the Mountain Rescue teams based in France and elsewhere that tried to save John and his good friend Steve.

"They would also like to thank the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for the assistance offered and provided at this time."

John leaves behind his wife Karine and two daughters, Emma (10) and Louise (8).

Mr Barber's long-term partner, Donna Rogers, said: "As might be expected, the family and I are all devastated at the loss of Steve and his close friend John.

"Steve has lived in Poppleton most of his life. His parents ran the village Post Office before retiring several years ago.

"Steve, like John, loved the outdoors and was a keen walker. He always wanted to climb Mont Blanc, an ambition that this trip was to fulfil. He had been training hard for the ascent and had successfully completed several challenging climbs in Europe and in the UK prior to this trip.

"In his personal life, Steve was a Company Finance Accountant with a Leeds-based finance company.

"The family wish to express their sincere thanks to the men and women of the Mountain Rescue teams who tried so hard to save John and Steve.

"The family also wish to thank friends and close family who have been so supportive at this time.

"They would also like to thank the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for the assistance offered and provided at this time."

Steve leaves behind Donna and their daughter Francesca (10), his parents and sister Julie.