A Grade II listed building and former surgery in west Cumbria is currently up for auction, with a guide price of £50,000.

The well known building in Whitehaven, which used to be the surgery of the late Dr Aidan Timney, was also the home of the Spedding Steel Mill - allowing illumination in coal mines with minimum risk - Carlisle Spedding (1695 - 1755).

The current three story building on Irish Street is in a "dilapidated state" after being empty for some years.

The Mayor of Whitehaven and town councillor, Chris Hayes, said the building occupies a "prominent place in the town".

"It's a beautiful building and it's sad that it has been left the way it is," said Cllr Hayes.

"Someone will get a great building there.

"It's in a prominent place in the town and to see that beautiful building brought back to life would be amazing for the town.

"People comment about it all the time.

"When you come into the town, or go around the town it hits you in the face.

"I hope it doesn't just get turned into flats and I hope that somebody takes it over.

"Dr Timney always kept place absolutely beautiful on the outside and it was a treat to walk past.

"Hopefully someone will buy it and bring it back to what it was."

Whitehaven Town Councillor, Graham Roberts said Dr Timney looked after "many people" in the town and was "well liked".

He added: "We need to bring that area back to life and it would be nice to see a bit of regeneration.

"I would welcome it and it's very much needed."

The lots have started coming in for the auction, which is being held by Auction House Cumbria on October 21.

The auction will be held online at 12pm.

For more information on the auction, or to get involved, visit Auction House Cumbria online at www.auctionhousecumbria.co.uk/property_type/17-irish-street-whitehaven-cumbria-ca28-7bu/.