THREE South Yorkshire fire chiefs will pay back controversial overtime payments following an investigation.

During the strikes of 2013, chief fire officer Jamie Courtney received an extra £14,390 on top of his £185,000 salary package, while his deputy Mark Shaw, who has since retired, received £14,820 and the assistant chief John Roberts, who is now deputy, a further £13,425.

Beverley Sandy, the director of finance also received £1,769 and other managers and staff received a total of £53,852.

The total of the payments was £98,256.

They were personally approved by Coun Jim Andrews, chairman of the South Yorkshire Fire Authority - who is also deputy leader of Barnsley Council - without the knowledge of the full fire authority.

An investigation found the payments had been made legally, but lacked transparency.

A spokesman for the fire service said Mr Courtney, Mr Roberts and Ms Sandy would now pay back almost £30,000 between them.

He said he could not speak on behalf Mr Shaw, who has since retired.

Read more in this weeks Barnsley Chronicle