A 39 year old UK Cypriot teacher has won a million-dollar prize after being chosen from 30,000 entries from 173 countries for being the most outstanding teacher in the world.

Andria Zafirakou who was born in London to a Greek Cypriot mother and a Greek father was overwhelmed and shocked at being given the award on Sunday at a glittering ceremony in Dubai.  Andria was named the winner of the fourth annual Varkey  Foundation Global Teacher award.

UK's Prime Minister Theresa May congratulated Zafirakou during the ceremony and complimented her on her dedication and creativity in her work.

Zafirakou will be required, as under the terms of the award, to keep working as a teacher for at least 5 years, during which she will receive the money in instalments.