MPs were open to question when their huge expenses claims were revealed to constituents for the first time this week.

The subject caused a furore with the nation up in arms over their costs to taxpayers.

But Leigh MP Andy Burnham, who claimed £123,248 on top of his £57,485 salary, says he fully welcomes the decision to publish the results and is happy to account for them.

The vast majority, more than £100,000 of the funding, goes to staffing and running his Market Street office -- and he takes a great pride in the quality of service it provides.

Take into consideration the cost of travel and accommodation and that money is soon gone.

It is not used to fund luxurious lifestyles.

We should be grateful we have an MP who is accommodating and works hard to put the town on the map.

The majority of people I speak to acknowledge his ability.

In the four years he has represented the town, I have only encountered the odd couple of people who believe he is in the mould of some other Labour MPs of all spin and no action.

That couldn't be further from the truth.

Another of the area's hard-working members, Worsley MP Terry Lewis, who will stand down at the next election, and whose constituency includes Astley, claimed £88,735.