WE will repay the cost of our flights down under.

That's the pledge from Hampshire's social services boss Felicity Hindson and social services officer Steve Love following their controversial £9,500 trip to New Zealand.

Cllr Hindson and Mr Love say they will contribute to the cost of their 11,000-mile return flights from New Zealand after Daily Echo revelations that the pair bought business class tickets costing nearly £3,000 each.

They breached council guidelines which say that employees and councillors should take economy class flights unless there are exceptional circumstances.

County Council leader Councillor Ken Thornber wrote to the pair while they were away, demanding they repay the cost of their return tickets.

Both have since agreed to pay back part of the cost of their flights home.

The row over Cllr Hindson's trip to New Zealand surfaced three weeks ago when she and Steve Love made the 11,000-mile trip to recruit social workers for the county.

Controversy dogged their visit when it was revealed that the pair travelled business class and stayed on in the country on holiday after their business trip was over.

Cllr Thornber said: "The concern over the travel arrangements has now been resolved. Guidance states that there is an expectation that standard class is the preferred method of travel.

"However, in extenuating circumstances, it is reasonable for business class to be used. Due to the 25-hour long haul flight and the need to begin work on a busy itinerary soon after arrival, this business class travel was approved in line with council guidelines by the chief officer. This justification stands."

He added: "However, due to the decision to extend the trip for personal reasons, at their own expense, it is not appropriate for return travel to be business class.

"Hence, both Councillor Hindson and Steve Love have confirmed that they will be refunding the difference between the standard and business class fares for the flight home.

"These figures will be worked out once total final costs for the trip are available and audited as is standard practice."