A former teacher has appeared in court accused of a string of attacks and indecent assaults at a residential school.

Mathew George, 67, was held on Wednesday by officers investigating abuse of pupils at Kerelaw School in Stevenston, North Ayrshire, which shut down in 2006.

The retired art teacher was detained and appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Thursday charged with a string of non-recent offences.

He is accused of two indecent assaults, three assaults and one charge under the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act.

George made no plea or declaration during the brief, private hearing and was released on bail.

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: "A 67-year-old man has been arrested and detained in police custody in connection with alleged non-recent sexual and physical abuse at a school in North Ayrshire.

"A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal."