Tributes paid to 500 climbers

Authorities have declared the Matterhorn mountain, on the Swiss-Italian border, off-limits for a day on the 150th anniversary of the first ascent to honour more than 500 climbers who have died trying to reach the top.

A group of seven mountaineers led by Briton Edward Whymper became the first to reach the top on July 14, 1865. Four members of the team died on the descent.

Swiss ceremonies commemorating the anniversary include the re-opening of the Hoernlihuette base camp.