A New Cumnock celebrity hair stylist has been made an MBE in the New Year honours list.

Sam McKnight received the coveted honour for services to the fashion and beauty industries.

The 67-year-old hair guru was born and raised in New Cumnock, before moving down south to London to pursue his dreams in the 1970s.

On moving to London, Mr McKnight was employed at the luxury hair salon, Molton Brown.

He then moved to New York in the 1980s, and has since worked with a host of A-list celebrities, including Princess Diana, Madonna, Kate Moss and Lady Gaga.

It is said that Sam has been involved in more than 190 cover shoots for the various international versions of Vogue magazine alone, thanks to his world-famous Hair By Sam McKnight brand.

He has also received 'lifetime achievement' prizes from both the Scottish Fashion Awards and the Creative Head Awards.

In November 2016, Somerset House in London hosted a retrospective showcasing over 40 years of McKnight's work.

Speaking about receiving the accolade, Sam said: "I am really honoured to be recognised for my lifetime's work and dedication to the industry. But I still think the best is yet to come!"

Sam also reacted to news of the accolade on his Instagram with a picture of him and his mother.

He simply said: "Delighted to accept an MBE today. Mum would have loved it."

A spokesperson for his Hair By Sam McKnight brand added their congratulations, saying: "Congratulations to Sam McKnight for his MBE, for services to the fashion and beauty industries.

"We are incredibly proud."