SIR – There is no doubt that with the death of Sir Jimmy Savile we have lost a true British character and eccentric. Much has been said over the week about his life and achievements and especially his amazing ability for raising cash for the many charities that he supported.

My late father-in-law was a keen cyclist for most of his life, and he knew Jimmy as a fellow cyclist in the Clarion Cycling Club in which both were members. This was of course years before Jimmy became famous.

Jimmy came into the clubhouse one day carrying an armful of bicycle pumps which he proceeded to flog off to the other cyclists for a most reasonable price.

On going out to their cycles outside the premises, it soon became apparent that they had in fact bought each other’s cycle pumps – true ownerships were quickly sorted out but the money raised by Jimmy went to a charity he was supporting!

Even at this time Jimmy was known for his ability to talk non-stop about anything at all. Truly a great bloke!

Brian Pickford, Summerbridge Crescent, Eccleshill