Birmingham Mail

But this isn't a glimpse into the glittering world of Britain's most glamorous couple.

It's a run down of some of the globe trotting trips funded by taxpayers to boost Birmingham's international credentials.

The man in charge of keeping tabs on officials' jet-setting ways, Councillor Tim Huxtable, insists we're getting a bargain.

But taxpayers could be forgiven for finding it hard to swallow one official blowing more than £3,000 on a trip to the Cannes Film Festival.

And another spending three days in Dublin at a "zoo educators conference" when this city doesn't even have a zoo.

Was it really necessary for officials to make another visit to a new central library in Minneapolis and one to Shanghai to "look at the lighting"?

Thank goodness city centre manager Jenny Inglis managed to fund a trip to Milan to pick up tips from the Italians about shopping through sponsorship.

Otherwise the comparisons with Posh and Becks could have been even greater.

We know it's vital this city builds links with other parts of the world, especially with emerging economies like China. Just look at Chinese firm Nanjing's role in helping to revive Longbridge.

But if taxpayers aren't to feel short-changed Councillor Huxton needs to keep the sort of vice-like grip demonstrated by a boa constrictor on this city's purse strings.