The deadline for bids for Blencathra was noon

Agents acting for the owner of a Lake District mountain who is putting the peak up for sale said they have received several offers.

The deadline for bids for Blencathra closed at noon today and Carlisle-based H&H Land and Property said the offers were now being examined.

The Friends of Blencathra, a community charity that wants to buy the fell and surrounding area, is among those who have put in an offer for the 868m (2,848ft) mountain.

Mountaineering elder statesman Sir Chris Bonington, who lives close to Blencathra, joined members of the group and supporters in a walk today from Keswick to Threlkeld at the foot of the fell, to mark the deadline.

The land is being sold by the Earl of Lonsdale to raise cash to help pay off an HM Revenue and Customs bill for inheritance task. A guide price of £2.1m was posted for the mountain.

Sir Chris Bonington joined the Friends' walk

H&H Land and Property director John Robson said: “We are very excited by the interest that has been shown.

“We confirm that a number of offers have been received and are confident that we can move towards the sale of this iconic mountain.

“Now that the closing date has passed and offers have been submitted the next role for us here at H&H Land and Property as agents, is to review each of the offers, report them to the trustees and await further instruction from our clients.”

The company said an update would follow when appropriate.

The Friends of Blencathra have applied for the mountain to be registered as a community asset under the Localism Act. Eden District Council will consider the request next week.