Geraldine MacPhee, Principal Teacher of Home Economics at Clyde Valley High School has been awarded with an MBE for services to education and to the community in North Lanarkshire.

Throughout her career, Geraldine (52) and her department have supported many local community groups. This December, her S5/S6 class completed a sponsored silence, raising over £500. With this money they bought gifts which they donated to the Salvation Army for their Christmas Parcel Appeal.

In previous years, her charity work has raised money for Motherwell Women's Refuge, Barnardo's, Yorkhill Children's Hospital, St Andrew's Hospice, MacMillan Cancer Care and Children in Need. She has also organised cooking classes for adult learners.

Ian Sommerville, Head teacher of Clyde Valley High School, said:

"Geraldine is an inspirational teacher and an outstanding principal teacher.

"She is totally committed to supporting the young people in her charge and has the highest expectations and aspirations for them.

"Geraldine encourages them to have self belief and to aim for the highest levels of attainment and achievement.

"Throughout her career she has proven herself to be a kind hearted and caring person who always thinks of others.

"She instils in her pupils a burning desire to help those less fortunate than themselves, and this is reflected in how home economics pupils support community groups."

Geraldine, who has been Principal Teacher of Home Economics at Clyde Valley High School since 1992, said she was "humbled, overwhelmed and slightly embarrassed that people felt worthy of nominating her for this fantastic honour."

She added: "It reflects the support I have received from my colleagues, pupils and parents over the years."

Geraldine began her career as a teacher at St Patrick's High School in Coatbridge in 1979. She transferred to St Margaret's High School as Assistant Principal of Home Economics in 1981.

In 1986 she was appointed acting Principal Teacher of Home Economics at Lesmahagow High School. And in 1988 she became Principal Teacher of Home Economics at Wishaw High School until 1992 when she moved to her current post at Clyde Valley High School.

She lives in Hamilton with her husband, Donald.