3:51PM, Sat Oct 13, 2012

Jimmy Savile Removed From Great North Run Hall Of Fame

By James Marley Location: Newcastle

Sir Jimmy Savile has been removed from the Great North Run Hall of Fame website following child abuse claims.

David Hart, communications director at race organisers Nova International, said: "We decided to remove his name and image from our Hall of Fame website.

"We took the measure out of respect of public opinion surrounding Mr Savile. We are waiting for the conclusion of the police investigation before taking any further action.

"One option in the future could be to have his Hall of Fame award rescinded entirely."

Savile was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.

A teenage girl from the Durham area has come forward claiming to be a victim of a sexual offence against Jimmy Savile in the late 1960’s.

The BBC has now announced an independent inquiry to examine any "failing" in the handling of an abandoned Newsnight investigation into Jimmy Savile.

Several Newsnight journalists wrote to BBC director-general George Entwistle to ask why the film was not aired, a BBC spokesman confirmed.

One question is likely to be whether the programme was dropped because it interfered with a BBC tribute programme to the entertainer broadcast shortly after his death.

Potential victims should contact their local police or call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.