Top marks for 'Oscars' teacher

The awards recognise excellence in teaching

A history teacher from Caerphilly is back in the classroom after winning the title of UK Teacher of the Year at a prestigious award ceremony.

Martin Williams was named the best teacher in the secondary school category at the Teaching Awards ceremony held at London's Theatre Royal on Sunday night.

He was nominated for the award - dubbed the teachers' Oscars - by his pupils at St Cenydd's School in the town, who said his lessons bring history alive.

Mr Williams is head of history at the school.

Finalists

Jean Williams from Queen Elizabeth Cambria School in Carmarthen was nominated in the category of school and community involvement.

And Charlotte Davies was looking for success in the special needs category.

Liam Neeson presented one of the awards

Unfortunately, both of them were pipped to the award on the night.

The teachers had already gone through regional heats in a ceremony at Cardiff City Hall in June.

A total of 145 teachers from across Wales, England and Northern Ireland gathered at the Theatre Royal for the national award ceremony.

Mr Williams was one of 10 national winners in different categories.

The evening was hosted by Carol Smillie - a number of celebrities also attended to present the winners with their "Plato" awards.

They included actors Liam Neeson, Art Malik and Anna Friel, singer Mica Paris and scientist Lord Robert Winston.

The awards will be screened on BBC1 on Sunday, 3 November at 1510BST.