A married anaesthetist was cleared of sexually assaulting female patients by the General Medical Council yesterday.

Dr Chandra Ganatra, 51, told of his delight that his reputation had been restored after sex claims from three patients and three nurses were rejected.

It was claimed he had "an unhealthy interest" in the genitalia of naked young women once they had been drugged for operations.

But the doctor claimed the complainants lied, and denied that he found the patients sexually attractive.

He said he only looked at patients to check on the progress of their gynaecological operations.

Dr Ganatra said after the hearing: "I have maintained my innocence steadfastly since the time this was set in motion and it has been a very difficult time for my family and me.

"The support I have received from both my medical and nursing colleagues has been very much appreciated."

The committee said they had taken into account expert evidence on the administration of general anaesthetic in deciding their verdict.

Chairman Professor Jack Crane said: "Dr Ganatra has been found not guilty of serious professional misconduct and no direction will be made against his registration. That concludes the case."

Dr Ganatra had faced eight separate charges over his alleged behaviour at the Dryburn and Shotley Bridge hospitals, in County Durham, between 1995 and 1999.

But Dr Ganatra had maintained that he was medically justified in doing what he did.

Dr Ganatra, who has an 11-year-old son, admitted he was a very tactile man and said he would often greet staff with a hug.

While some nurses were outraged at his behaviour and pressed for criminal charges, other staff stood up for him. One nurse said it would be a privilege to be put under his care if she ever needed a gynaecological operation.

The Indian-born doctor qualified in Bombay in 1977 and arrived in the UK in 1981. He began working at Dryburn Hospital in 1985.

Dr Ganatra was suspended on full pay by the hospital trust in 1999 when the allegations came to light but was cleared by an internal inquiry

A police investigation also cleared him of any wrongdoing and Dr Ganatra has since returned to the wards to work with the nurses he is said to have attacked.

Dr Ganatra, of Dryburn Road, Durham, had denied serious professional misconduct throughout the hearing.