East Ayrshire was celebrating a double win as its two nominees in the Scottish Education Awards both scooped first prizes at a ceremony in the Hilton Hotel, Glasgow, on Tuesday.

Technical teacher Tom Campbell from Kilmarnock Academy beat off stiff competition from across Scotland to be selected as Teacher of the Year - and a team from Doon Academy, Dalmellington, won the prestigious Literacy Across Learning Award.

Design and technology teacher Tom, 30, impressed judges with his passion and talent for teaching.

The award highlighted his dedication and drive to go the extra mile to ensure that all his pupils enjoy learning. Tom has had a lasting impact on the hundreds of young people who have passed through his classroom and is extremely popular throughout the school.

He said: "I'm totally thrilled and very honoured. Thanks to all my colleagues for being so supportive and to the pupils for being so fantastic. This award is really for the whole school".

Headteacher Bryan Paterson added: "Tom's award is richly deserved and is a testament to his sheer hard work and inspirational teaching. It is a great accolade for Tom and indeed everyone in Kilmarnock Academy".

Doon Academy meanwhile celebrated scooping the Literacy Award at the same ceremony, for its pioneering project addressing the difficulties of a group of S1 pupils.

Teachers Doreen Murray and Aileen Wood, along with Lynne McDowall from East Ayrshire Support Team, took pupils out of their normal timetable for two periods every morning to provide intensive support in reading, spelling and writing. Judges agreed that Doon Academy deserved recognition for putting young people at the heart of the learning process and giving them a chance to excel in an engaging learning environment.

Doon Academy headteacher John MacKenzie said: "This is the most prestigious national award in Scottish education and it has been won by staff of our Pupil Support Department for a pilot project to address the literacy skills of a group of pupils.

"Without the remarkable improvement in literacy skills which the pupils achieved, they would have struggled to access the secondary curriculum. We also found that the progress they made has raised their confidence and self-esteem and improved their performances in all areas of the school.

"We are absolutely delighted for the young people, the reputation of the school and the key staff members in the project team".

Councillor Iain Linton, East Ayrshire Council Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning, said: "I am delighted that Tom Campbell from Kilmarnock Academy and Doreen Murray, Aileen Wood, and Lynne McDowall of Doon Academy have won these coveted awards. Such national recognition is very welcome, as it reflects the excellent practice in our classrooms and highlights the achievements of our pupils.

"I would also like to thank local people for taking the time to vote for our schools to receive these accolades".

Graham Short, Executive Director of Educational and Social Services, said: "The winners reflect the hard work, commitment and excellence of service to the young people of East Ayrshire that is found throughout our establishments and services."