The achievements of top teaching staff from around the county have been celebrated at the Kent Teacher of The Year awards.

Finalists attended a special presentation evening last night at Hempstead House Country House Hotel and Spa in Bapchild.

The awards were organised by the KM Group and people were asked to nominate the county's top teachers.

There were more than 200 nominations for categories that included teaching assistant, newly qualified teacher, primary, secondary, science teacher and a new team award.

The overall winner of the science class, Justin Low, from Skinner Kent Academy in Tunbridge Wells also received a masterclass for a group of his students from sponsor Kent Science Park.

Simon Dolby from the KM Group said the event was a great opportunity to celebrate excellence and achievement in teaching, a role that is fundamental to our society and our children's future.

"All the teachers and support staff share passion for their vocation, dedication, commitment, hard graft and give their own time way beyond the call of duty," he said.

Mr Dolby said they were grateful to all of the sponsors and they would like to thank the staff at Hempstead House for providing a first class venue.

The Kent Teacher of the Year awards was supported by Hempstead House, Denne construction, KCC, Christ Church University, Mansell Construction, Kent Science Park, Independent Music Productions, Hays Education, Southern Educational Leadership Trust (SELT).

Overall winners:

Head teacher Dr Gary Holden, executive principal at The Hundred of Hoo School, Rochester and head teacher at Sir Joseph Williamson Mathematical School.

Secondary school teacher Alex Bolton of the Hundred of Hoo School, Rochester.

Primary school teacher Amy O'Keefe, St Mildred's Primary Infant School, Broadstairs.

Newly qualified teacher Leanne Brocklehurst, New Brompton College, Medway.

Science teacher Justin Low, The Skinner Kent Academy, Tunbridge Wells.

Team of the year Associate Staff year 6 Admissions, Homewood School and Sixth Form Centre, Tenterden.