THE military spent tens of thousands of pounds flying top brass around Gulf dictatorships in the last three months of 2018, new figures show.

Admirals, generals and air marshals all enjoyed jet-set trips to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, the UAE and Qatar, costing almost £25,000.

Rear Admiral Nick Hine was the most extravagant flier, charging the public more than £5,000 for his flights to Manama, Bahrai, and Abu Dhabi, UAE, in November, as part of a four-day trip.