The co-leader of Aberdeenshire Council who became embroiled in a row over a trip to Legoland has stood down with "immediate effect".

Martin Kitts-Hayes led a delegation to a conference in Denmark but left early after complaining that the accommodation at Legoland Billund was not fit for purpose.

A report published last week revealed Mr Kitts-Hayes said the cabin booked by council staff looked like a "glorified shed" and called it "reminiscent of Butlins in the 1970s".

The aborted trip cost the council nearly £3400.

On Monday, he announced he would be stepping down from his role as council co-leader and head of its policy and resources committee on September 29 but would remain the leader of the Progressive Independent Group.

He announced his immediate resignation as a councillor on Wednesday, however, citing "personal abuse" and the "intolerable strain" put on his family.

Mr Kitts-Hayes said: "I wish to announce that I have decided to stand down as a councillor with immediate effect and have informed the provost and chief executive.

"Recent events have placed an intolerable strain on my family with personal abuse continuing unabated even after I resigned as co-leader of the council on Monday. Being a councillor is just not worth the effort.

"I do not intent to make any further comments and ask that my privacy, as a member of the public, is respected."

Aberdeenshire Council chief executive Jim Savege said: "I can confirm that this afternoon I have received the resignation from Martin Kitts-Hayes as an Aberdeenshire councillor.

"His resignation is with immediate effect. Martin has served as a councillor for Inverurie and District since May 2003, having previously been an employee of the council."