A MUSIC TEACHER from a Stockton school has been named Secondary Music Teacher of the Year at a prestigious awards ceremony.

Matthew Haworth of Egglescliffe School received the accolade at the 14th annual Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year Awards, which recognises those teachers who have made a difference to the musical life of young people.

The 36-year-old was nominated by his students and fellow teachers at the school where he’s worked for 14 years.

He said: “I think the win is down to the high achievements of the students. We have the best school orchestra and one of the best school brass bands in the country.

“I am flattered and quite humbled as this is quite a prestigious award. It is a big deal for someone from a North-East school to win and it is fantastic for the region.

"The award is down to the students, they have worked extremely hard for me, we are a team and are very chuffed with ourselves.”

Mr Haworth, who has been head of music at Egglescliffe School for five years, was presented with the award on stage at the Music for Youth Schools Prom Concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall, where students from the school were performing.

The competition judges said: “We were amazed at the standards achieved by this secondary school, making note that Matthew has not just been a musical caretaker but has taken the school’s music on to further dizzying heights in the standards achieved.”