A bronze-resin sculpture of the legendary Lake District fell runner Joss Naylor MBE has been sold at auction, surpassing initial expectations. 

Created by renowned Cumbrian sculptor Paul Bainbridge in 2008, the bust was made to commemorate the 'King of the Fells' remarkable achievement of running 70 Lake District fells on his 70th birthday.

Initially estimated to fetch between £500 and £800, the sculpture surpassed estimations as it brought in £2,100 at the auction held at Mitchell’s Auction Company in Cockermouth on September 12. 

James, Moore, head of fine art, antiques and country sports at Mitchell's Auction Company of Cockermouth, said: "With that kind of thing you never know what will go on.

"But with Joss being a Cumbrian legend, the hopes were someone local was going to buy that and get stuck in, which they did which is great," he said. 

James, who is Cumbrian born and bred himself, said it was sold in the room with hopes it 'would have been to a local person'.

Joss Naylor opened the new Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team base outside Gosforth in 2018Joss Naylor opened the new Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team base outside Gosforth in 2018 (Image: Adamedia)

All funds raised for the bust will go towards the Wasdale Mountain Rescue, where Joss held the honorary title of vice president. 

This bust is one of only two created by Paul Bainbridge, with the first proudly displayed at The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, thanks to a purchase made by the former Copeland Council.

Hundreds of runners lead 'King of the Fells home'Hundreds of runners lead 'King of the Fells home' (Image: Black Combe Runners)

The sale comes just months after hundreds of fell runners gathered to form a guard of honour at the fell runner's funeral, following his passing in June at the age of 88.

His funeral service was held at St Olaf’s, England’s smallest parish church near Scafell Pike, where Naylor still holds the record for the fastest ascent and descent—47 minutes.

He was commemorated by the crowds with a Wasdale-adapted rendition of 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot'. 

Joss Naylor MBE pictured in 2019 Joss Naylor MBE pictured in 2019 (Image: Brathay)

Among his many merits, in 1983, the fell-runner completed an epic 105-mile Lakeland route in 19 hours and 14 minutes.

In 1976, he was made an MBE for his services to sport and charity.