Veteran BBC broadcaster Stuart Hall has been charged with rape and 14 counts of indecent assault for a string of alleged historic sex attacks, Lancashire Police said tonight.

Mr Hall, of Prestbury Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire, was arrested this morning after he attended an appointment at a police station.

The 83-year-old is charged with one count of rape allegedly committed in 1976 against a 22-year-old woman and 14 offences of indecent assault against ten girls aged between nine and 16 which allegedly took place between 1967 and 1986.

He has been bailed to appear before Preston Magistrates' Court on 7 February.

Mr Hall has been a familiar face and voice in British broadcasting for half a century and was this year awarded an OBE.

His eccentric and erudite football match summaries have made him a cult figure on BBC Radio 5 Live.