LEIGH MP Andy Burnham has been criticised for taking part in a McDonald's sponsored trip to the European football championships.

Mr Burnham was one of 17 MPs, members of the All Party Parliamentary Football Group, who accepted invitations for a four-day trip to Portugal organised by the fast food giant.

The MPs stayed at a four star hotel in Lisbon, played a game against Portuguese politicians and enjoyed seats for the championship's opening games Portugal v Greece and England v France.

The MPs are believed to have made a small personal financial contribution to the trip, including paying back the face value of the tickets for the matches.

But the decision to take advantage of the McDonald's sponsored trip has come under fire for health campaigners at a time when the Government is highlighting the problems of obesity. Dr Steve Watkins, of the British Medical Association's public health committee said: "For Members of Parliament to allow their names to be linked to promote fast food is seriously irresponsible."

Mr Burnham was last night believed to be travelling back from Portugal and was not available for comment. Also included in the group of MPs on the trip was Eccles MP Ian Stewart.