JIMMY Savile visited hospitals on Tyneside on three occasions, visits which coincided with the celebrity’s regular appearances at the Great North Run.

But a report published today (Thursday) found no evidence of any inappropriate behaviour during Savile’s time in Newcastle’s hospitals.

An investigation by the Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was triggered by a former member of staff, who contacted Operation Yewtree detectives after recalling seeing Savile at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in 1991.

The investigation found that Savile had visited the RVI’s children’s wards twice between 1986 and 1991 and had also visited Newcastle General Hospital during the early 1990s.

Trust chief executive Sir Leonard Fenwick said: “Jimmy Savile visited the children’s wards of the Royal Victoria Infirmary in 1986/1987 and 1991.

“He also visited Newcastle General Hospital in the early 1990s, but witnesses were unsure of exact dates.

“Arising out of an exhaustive investigation, these presentations appeared to coincide with the Great North Run. Nothing untoward occurred and there was continual supervision”.

Savile, famous for his charity fundraising, took part in the Great North Run at least 18 times and was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2009.

Asked by The Northern Echo in 2000 if he had a message for the people of the North-East ahead of the run, Savile said: "Lock up your daughters, girlfriends and wives. I don't want to misbehave but I can't help it once I arrive on Tyneside."

The report found that: “On all occasions, witnesses reported that Savile was accompanied by his entourage.

“Throughout the course of this investigation, no allegations were received in relation to inappropriate behaviour or abuse carried out by Savile, either in relation to patients or staff.”