Veteran BBC broadcaster Stuart Hall has appeared in court to plead not guilty to the sexual abuse of three girls between 1974 and 1984.

The 82-year-old former It's A Knockout star gave his full name as James Stuart Hall when he was called before the bench for the brief hearing at Preston Magistrates' Court.

Hall was bailed until April 16 for a next appearance at Preston Crown Court.

Hall, who was first arrested on December 5 following an investigation by Lancashire Police, left the court building after the brief hearing, followed by TV cameras, photographers and reporters.

He has been a familiar face and voice in British broadcasting for half a century and was last year awarded an OBE.

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

The BBC said Hall would not be working at the corporation while he faced the allegations.