WORCESTERSHIRE MPs claimed more than £850,000 in expenses last year, it was revealed last night.

Mike Foster, Labour's Worcester MP, claimed £129,260 - down on last year's £131,512 but well above the average for all MPs of £122,677.49.

Leominster MP Bill Wiggin put in an even bigger claim, for £131,468.

Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff cost £112,907 and West Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer £114,923, both among the smallest claims.

But Wyre Forest MP Richard Taylor was one of the cheapest MPs in the country, claiming just £94,627.

The money, which comes on top of their basic annual salaries of £59,000, was spent on things such as London homes, staff wages, travel, stationery and postage.

Mr Foster said: "You need staff to operate your office and you have got to pay for envelopes to write letters - that's the nature of the job and that's what your allowances are given for.

"Mine are down from last year, so where you can make savings you do and where you can't you have to pay for them."

Mr Wiggin said his claim was high as a result of his position as shadow Welsh secretary.

He said: "I have got the biggest constituency and I have to go to Wales a lot because of my job. But we try to provide the best value to our constituents."

Mr Luff added: "Every single penny of these expenses is money necessary for us to do our jobs for our constituents and brings us no personal benefits whatsoever."

Redditch MP Jacqui Smith was the most expensive Worcestershire MP, spending £141,302 of taxpayers' money last year. Bromsgrove MP Julie Kirkbride cost £134,495.