A sixth-form student has gone missing during a school mountaineering trip to the Italian Alps. Alex Foulkes, 17, disappeared on Monday during a trip with Harrogate Grammar School, in North Yorkshire.
A local mountain rescue team has been searching for him and his parents flew out to Italy on Tuesday morning.
The school confirmed Alex was among a group of 12 students who were staying at Val d'Aosta after flying out on Saturday for a two-week holiday.
The group was with two teachers and a local mountain guide when an incident involving the pupil occurred.
It is believed the group may have been trying to cross a river.
The rest of the school party, who were on the trip organised by London-based Exodus Travel, are expected to fly home on Wednesday. Pupils were told of the accident by teachers at assemblies on Tuesday and the school has written to all parents.
The school's head teacher, Dr Philip Limbert, said in a statement: "The school is still coming to terms with the news, which has stunned us all.
"We are trying to gather information from Italy and keep everyone informed about the situation.
"We are desperately hoping for good news. Our hopes and prayers are with Alex's family."
Cynthia Wellbourn, director of education at North Yorkshire County Council, said: "We have offered a full counselling service for everyone concerned and support for the school community.
"I have no doubt that the professionalism of the head teacher, his senior management team, and other staff will help the school through this difficult time."
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We are desperately hoping for good news 
