YouTube has refunded advertisers that removed their material from the video-sharing site after it was revealed paid-for clips appeared alongside extremist and illegal content.

The Google-owned site has paid advertisers back the money it earnt on adverts played ahead of inappropriate videos as it works to recover its reputation.

The recent payments are too minor to be compensation for the Google oversight and in some instances amount to as little as $3 (£2.30), according to the Financial Times. One company refused to accept the refund of "a couple of dollars".

They are unlikely to boost YouTube's cause as it struggles to woo businesses back to its platform.

The adverts of major brands including Marks and Spencer, L'Oreal and McDonald's were found to have appeared alongside hateful and violent videos. In response to the findings some of YouTube's biggest spenders withdrew their advertising.