London: BBC staff turned a blind eye to the sexual abuse by star presenter Jimmy Savile of up to 1000 girls and boys in the corporation's changing rooms and studios.

An internal inquiry by former judge Janet Smith found Savile's behaviour had been recognised by executives at the world's biggest public broadcaster, but they took no action to stop him, according to the Observer newspaper on Sunday.

Findings: The Smith inquiry suggests up to 1000 people were abused by Jimmy Savile. Credit:Getty Images

A police investigation concluded last year that the television and radio presenter, who died in 2011 aged 84, was a predatory sex offender who abused children as young as eight over more than 50 years.

It identified 450 victims, but the Smith inquiry suggests up to 1000 people were abused by Savile while he was working for the BBC, the Observer reported.