County residents who were touched by the kindness of Sir Jimmy Savile paid tribute to the TV star yesterday.

The eccentric marathon runner, DJ and star of Jim’ll Fix It was found dead at his Leeds home on Saturday.

Through his popular BBC show the presenter helped children across the country live their dreams for a day.

Flora McKenzie, from Witney, who wrote to the star aged 14, said: “My friend Brenda was severely disabled and idolised Jimmy so I thought I’d write to him.

“He sent her a handwritten letter and a signed photo.”

Many years later she handed over a cheque raised by Concorde Supporters of Witney to one of the many good causes he helped – the spinal injuries unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.

That sparked a further collaboration when Flora was drafted in to help “fix it” for two brothers to fly on Concorde. She explained: “They came and flew with us along with the camera crew.

“We went to the studio and I was on the couch with Jimmy himself – he gave me a sloppy kiss on the hand.”

Nix Ticehurst, from Wallingford, who worked for motor racing company Pro Sports 3000 was also drafted in to help with the show, arranging for children to ride in a Le Mans sports car.

She remembered: “I’ve still got the letter he signed sent in 1993.”