A Kilmarnock maths teacher has been named an MBE in the King's New Year honours list. 

Chris Smith, who teaches at Grange Academy, has been honoured for services to mathematics education and to the community in East Ayrshire. 

The Newmilns resident previously hit the headlines when he was named Teacher of the Year at the Scottish Education Awards in 2018. 

Chris is known for his innovative thinking and his creative lessons which help students to think differently and embrace maths. 

The teacher shares his lesson ideas with others online , and has also been writing a weekly maths newsletter for over 15 years. 

His newsletter has a celebrity following with celebrities including Rachel Riley, Johnny Ball and the Proclaimers all known fans. 

Chris is also known for his annual study camps, and for his love of Pi Day and its celebrations. 

Speaking to Teach in Scotland, he said: “I love being in the classroom – inspiring and helping improve the lives of young people.

"Of course, teaching a subject like mathematics is brilliant, but teachers do so much more than pass on subject knowledge.

"We help young people learn actual life-skills like socialising, resilience, manners and problem solving – things that will stay with them throughout their life.

"New teachers maybe don’t realise the impact they’ll have in developing not just the academic dimension of their students but also their confidence, personality and character!"