Skier tried saving son and friend

Rupert Wilson was suffering from hypothermia

A cross-country skier tried to save the lives of his son and friend after they were caught by severe weather on a Norwegian mountain, police have said.

Rupert Wilson, 47, from Drumnadrochit, Inverness-shire, survived, but his son Peter, 18, and Jim Ross, 50, from Evanton, Ross-shire, died.

They been trekking through the Hardangervidda region at the weekend.

Local police chief Oyvind Rosseland said Rupert Wilson attempted to shield the pair from the elements.

Mr Rosseland told BBC Scotland: "He tried to protect both of them, but that was problematic.

"He tried to get them warm with clothes, sleeping bags and another bag they got into."

Mr Wilson thought he was going to die on the mountain Police chief Oyvind Rosseland

Rupert Wilson was found by chance by a Red Cross team.

Mr Rosseland said the former Army medic was very cold and wet but managed to speak to his rescuers.

The police officer said: "Mr Wilson thought he was going to die on the mountain."

Mr Rosseland added: "It was a horrible accident. We haven't had an accident like that in several years."

The officer said he was sorry to concede that three were not equipped for the weather conditions.