THE opportunity to offer bids to buy a Lake District mountain came to a close today (July 2).

Selling agents H&H Land and Property confirmed after the 12pm deadline that a ‘number of bids’ to buy Blencathra had been submitted.

John Robson, Director of H&H Land and Property, 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.”

One of these was from the action group Friends of Blencathra, who celebrated their submission by walking from Keswick to Threlkeld.

At 6,500 people strong, the group were expected to offer close to Lord Lonsdale’s £1.75million asking price.

Friends of Blencathra chair Debbie Cosgrove said: "We're still well in the game and we've just got to sit tight and wait now."

“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 and report them to the Trustees and await further instruction from our clients,” added Mr Robson.