THE former chief executive of a North-East charity, who was heavily criticised for spending its funds on luxury hotels and first-class travel, hit back yesterday.

A report from the Charity Commission said that Andrea Cook, who received the OBE for her work with National Energy Action (NEA), misused thousands of pounds while at the helm.

Ms Cook, who has since been sacked by the organisation, which is based in Newcastle, was said to have regularly breached the expenses guidelines she laid down for other staff.

NEA is trying to recover £18,000 it believes Ms Cook owes, although she is contesting £14,000 of that total.

However, the former Durham University tutor insists that she had the authority to certify her own travel and subsistence claims.

"The arrangements for my expenses, which resulted from my spending up to four nights per week in London, were in place for 12 years," she said.

Ms Cook, who is now the chairman of consumer watchdog WaterVoice Northumbria, said she was struck down with depression during her time at NEA and received little support from the charity.

She launched an employment tribunal case against her dismissal, but later withdrew it on medical advice.

She said: "Prior to my illness I had an exemplary career with NEA. The number of employees doubled to 61 people.

"Investment in energy efficiency by the Government and others increased from £5m in 1984 to planned expenditure of £150m in 2000."

Ms Cook said she was grateful for the support of MPs, peers, the business community and the charitable sector, thanking those who "voted with their feet" and withdrew from office or sponsorship as a result of the case.

Of the investigation, she said: "I will let others assess whether this three-year inquiry, and the six-page report and observations which result from it, represent good use of public funds."

The commission said the case showed that too much responsibility should not be given to one member of staff.

NEA said that since the time covered by the report changes to its financial and administrative procedures had been implemented.