MAGGIE Doyle has become Worcestershire’s second poet laureate and the first woman to hold the role.

Ms Doyle was chosen as the winner of A Bard for Worces-tershire during Worcestershire Literary Festival’s launch event at the Swan Theatre, Worcester.

She beat 11 other finalists after wooing the judges and audience alike with her poems Diamond and Duty Calls.

The runner-up was Suz Winspear, of Worcester, while Brenda Reid-Brown, also from the city, came third. The judging panel was made up of Theo Theobald, who was the county’s first ever poet laureate; Rowan Standish-Hayes, Worcestershire’s second young poet laureate; Stephen Wilson, the county arts officer; and festival director Lisa Ventura.

Speaking of her appointment, Ms Doyle said: “As the first female poet laureate of Worcestershire, I am so looking forward to the next 12 months. Worcestershire has developed a diverse literary and musical culture over the last few years and I am delighted to be part of that energy.

“Words are for everyone, age is no barrier, so I will be gently encouraging new voices and persuading people to experience first-hand what Worcestershire and the Worcestershire Literary Festival have to offer.”

Entrants to the competition had to submit two poems, one on the theme of diamonds and another of their own choice.

Miss Ventura said: “Maggie made us all laugh with her comedic and light-hearted approach to her Duty Calls poem and her poetic tribute to her grandmother Diamond was very moving – the audience laughed and cried.

“The judges were really impressed with her confidence, delivery and engagement with the audience.

“She will be a fantastic asset to Worcestershire and a real ambassador for the county as the second poet laureate and the first female one too.”

Ms Doyle will be making guest appearances at various events throughout her year as poet laureate and will also be working with Rowan Standish-Haynes, of Malvern – Worcestershire’s young poet laureate.