BBC bosses have claimed thousands to cover expenses such as hotels, theatre trips, flowers and Prom tickets to thank staff.

Five of the corporation's highest-paid executives were awarded more than £50,000 of licence payers' money to spend.

Director-general Mark Thompson claimed almost £21,000 on items including hotel rooms, breakfasts and gifts to thank staff for their efforts.

The Proms at the Royal Albert Hall

Since April 2007, Mr Thompson, 50, who earns more than £800,000, filed £3,780 on 'overnight stays', £8,889 on 'business entertainment' and £2,096 on flights.

He also spent £190 on flowers for staff 'to reward them for their hard work' and £1,617 on a single business conference.

At the lower end of the scale, he claimed £21.44 for breakfasts, £33 on magazines and £1.84 on one phone call.

Details of the expenses come as the BBC prepares to axe up to 1,800 staff as part of cost-cutting plans.

And last night, critics accused the executives of squandering public money.

Matthew Sinclair, of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'The BBC complain that they need a bigger licence fee while behaving like they've got money to burn.'

Details of other expenses, released under the Freedom of Information Act, included those of deputy director-general Mark Byford.

He claimed £160 for Prom tickets to thank a staff member for 'outstanding efforts'.

Jenny Ambramsky, director of audio and music, who now earns £419,000, filed £6,357 on items including £303 for theatre tickets for 'cultural research'.

And Jana Bennett, director of BBC Vision, who earns £500,000, was awarded £17,236 expenses.

Head of marketing Tim Davie claimed £7,400.

The BBC said: 'Executives' expenses are subject to rigorous scrutiny and reflect the major role they play in the British media.'