AN iconic Cumbrian mountain could be heading into public ownership as a community group has their bid accepted 'in principle'.

Blencathra was put on the market for £1.75million as cash-strapped Lord Lonsdale struggled to pay a £9million inheritance tax bill.

After nearly a year of legal wrangling, the Friends of Blencathra public action group released a statement saying that the trustees of Lonsdale Estates 'wish to proceed with our offer' and take the sale 'to the next stage'.

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This news could signal the end of a hard-fought battle to prevent the 2,676 acre site from slipping into the hands of a private buyer.

It is not yet clear how much money the Friends of Blencathra have offered for the mountain, known locally as 'Saddleback', but by May 2014 the community group already had £1million pledged.

Julie Ward, Labour MEP for the North of England and admin member of Friends of Blencathra, said: "I am delighted that the trustees have expressed their wishes to proceed to the next stage of negotiations. 

"Safeguarding the future of one of Cumbria's best-loved natural assets and bringing it into community ownership is the outcome that so many of us desire and have been working towards for over a year. 

"I began my relationship with the Friends group before I was elected in May last year and I have been astounded to see the membership grow with nearly 6500 people from all over the world joining the Facebook group, posting photos and supportive comments, offering personal stories and memories, expressing their concern for the environment, offering help and practical support. 

"This is people power and it cannot and must not be ignored!  

"Blencathra is an important and symbolic landmark for native Cumbrians as well as being a unique tourist attraction.  It is a significant part of Cumbria's visitor offer, helping to support the local economy as well as putting us on the international map."  

"I work hard to represent the interests of local residents and the business community and use every opportunity to draw attention to Cumbria. 

"I am hoping to bring fellow MEPs to visit the county in the near future so they can see for themselves the opportunities and challenges faced by those who live and work in one of Britain's most beautiful but peripheral areas."

Statements from H and H Land and Property, who have been handling the sale of the mountain on behalf of Lord Lonsdale, and Debbie Cosgrove, chair of Friends of Blencathra, are to follow.