Jimmy Savile during his days presenting Jim'll Fix It. Picture: BBC

A charity has written to the BBC asking them to provide an open fund for all victims of sexual abuse across the UK in light of the Jimmy Savile sex abuse.

Family Matters, in Wrotham Road, Gravesend, offers free counselling and support to victims of rape and sexual abuse and their relatives.

In a letter to the BBC, it asks for "an open fund for all sexual abuse organisations across the UK to access, which would enable victims of sexual abuse both directly and indirectly affected by the Jimmy Savile issue to be offered support and therapy as soon as possible."

It emerged last week the charity has had to take on more volunteers to cope with a huge influx of calls since the allegations around Jimmy Savile began.

During October, the charity - which relies on grants - saw the number of calls to its helpline double to more than 130.

Family Matters manager Danielle Gates

The letter adds: "Many of these victims have had to live with this abuse for decades until recent revelations have come to the forefront and without proper funding, they will be left without the proper support and therapy being offered to them."

Family Matters receives funding from BBC Children in Need to help young victims.

Manager Danielle Gates said: "People will come forward after such huge exposés of sexual abuse, and it's really important people continue to do so."

For help and support, phone the Family Matters helpline on 01474 537392.