CUMBRIA Freemasons have paid tribute to fell running legend Joss Naylor. 

Mr Naylor has been respected for decades for his dedication to fell running in Cumbria. 

Sadly, Joss Naylor passed away this week at the age of 88. He had been a Freemason for many years and masons across Cumbria have bid their farewells to him. 

In a post on social media, Cumbria Freemasons wrote: "A farmer, an amazing fell runner and a freemason.

"Bro Joss Naylor MBE (king of the fells), sadly passed away at the age of 88. In December 1971 Mr Joseph Naylor, age 35, a farmer from Bowerdale, Wasdale was initiated into Scawell Lodge, in our province.

"Although he did not hold office in the lodge, except as a steward, in 1978 he was given Provincial Honours as PPrGPur, in recognition of his services to masonry through his charity sponsorship as a noted fell runner.

"In 1986, at the age of 50, Joss ran all 214 Wainwrights in seven days. When he turned 60 he ran 60 Lakeland fell tops in 36 hours, and at 70 he ran 70 Lakeland fells, a true and amazing athlete. 

"The sheep farmer and Freemason broke the Lake District 24-hour record three times and ran the fastest known times on the Three Peaks, Welsh 3,000ers and Pennine Way.

"Over the years, Joss raised tens of thousands of pounds for both Masonic charities and wider charities, a true and proud freemason. He also became the holder of the MBE.

"Joss will be sadly missed as not only was he a national hero, but also internationally as his fell running talents were incredible."