Mystery still surrounds the sale of Blencathra, which is being sold by Lord Lonsdale to pay a £9million inheritance tax.

Last week the Gazette reported that the mountain had been sold to an anonymous buyer for more than the £1.75million asking price and that the Friends of Blencathra action group’s bid had been unsuccessful.

However, on Tuesday, Debbie Cosgrove, chairman of the action group, released a statement, which said: “I would like to formally announce the Friends of Blencathra legal team have today confirmed that our latest proposals have been further discussed with Lord Lonsdale’s agents. This is believed by all involved to be of significant interest to the vendor and to provide them with an offer so attractive that it is likely to result in acceptance by the lead trustees.

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“We anticipate confirmation of this success later this week and will, of course, keep you informed. Many thanks for your ongoing support and patience.”

Yesterday John Robson, Managing Director of H and H Land and Property, the company handling the sale, declined to comment specifically on the Friends’ statement.

He said: “We are moving towards an exchange of contracts – however, until the time contracts have been exchanged, negotiations with all parties are ongoing. In addition, no further announcements are likely to be made by H&H Land and Property until contracts have been exchanged.”