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A former doctor at Stoke Mandeville Hospital has been charged with 26 child sex offences, including rape.

Michael Salmon, 80, who worked at the hospital at the same time disgraced DJ Jimmy Savile raised funds there, faces charges dating back to 1977.

Salmon appeared before High Wycombe Magistrates Court today via video link and did not enter pleas to any of the charges.

The court heard 19 victims have made allegations against the former consultant paediatrician dating back to the 1970s and 1980s.

One is a count of rape, which is claimed to have been committed at the hospital, in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, between September 1977 and September 1980.

(Image: PA)

The case was sent to be dealt with at crown court and Salmon will next appear at Aylesbury Crown Court on February 15.

Salmon, dressed in a short sleeved sky blue shirt, said in response: "Thank you, your worships."

Salmon first joined the hospital in 1961 for six months and later returned in 1969.

He was instrumental in the building of a special care baby unit at the hospital and helped to raise between £50,000 and £70,000 for much needed equipment for the hospital's paediatric unit.