A GUARD of honour is set to be formed at an iconic Cumbrian athlete's funeral by fell runners. 

Runners are invited to form a colourful guard of honour at the funeral of Lake District sporting icon, Joss Naylor. 

Joss sadly passed away last month at the age of 88, he was born and bred in The Lakes. 

He became known the world over for his record-breaking fell-running feats. 

His funeral is to be held later this month at St Olaf's Church in his home village of Wasdale. 

In a post on social media, the Fell Runners Association said: "It was Joss’ wish that his funeral should be a colourful celebration of his life. 

"The Naylor family invite all fell runners to join them at Wasdale Head on Friday, July 19, and to form a colourful guard of honour as Joss takes the short journey to his final resting place."

The service will begin at 1pm at the church. 

Mr Naylor, who was also a sheep farmer, 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.

Some of his other achievements include running all of the 214 Wainwright's in seven days back in 1986; running 60 Lakeland fell-tops in 36 hours at 60 years old; and then running 70 Lakeland fells at 70 years old. 

He was appointed MBE for services to sport and charity in 2007.