Two former managers at Edinburgh Airport have been given community service orders after being found guilty of fraud.

Steven Spalding, 46, and Stephen Cunningham, 41, were found to have abused their positions to boost their bank accounts through a series of false invoices and bogus consultancy fees.

Both were sentenced to 200 hours of community service at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

Spalding had been employed as the operations manager for property and retail while Cunningham was the commercial account manager.

Both resigned from their positions in 2013 after an internal airport disciplinary hearing.

A subsequent police inquiry revealed pressure had been exerted on an external supplier to the airport and false invoices created to show consultancy fees which were paid directly into a bank account of Spalding.

Analysis of bank accounts showed exactly half of this money was paid to Cunningham.

Spalding also intercepted the process of a further payment from an off-airport contractor, which was paid directly into his account.

The pair were also found to have used their position as managers to secure fuel cards and company laptops they were not entitled to.

Detective inspector Arron Clinkscales said: "The police investigation revealed that both Steven Spalding and Stephen Cunningham abused their positions as managers and carried out calculated schemes of deception over a prolonged period, to obtain funds and other goods and services, which they were clearly not entitled to.

"They applied pressure on an external supplier, threatening to withdraw airport contracts, unless fraudulent payments were made to them.

"Police Scotland will thoroughly investigate any reports of wrongdoings by employees, and report the circumstances to the Procurator Fiscal, where appropriate."