The Derry writer, who has had a vast array of work published in recent years, will be presented with the AIB-sponsored Charles Macklin Autumn School poetry gong at a special ceremony in McGrory's in Culdaff tomorrow.

She shared first place in the collection section with Michael Herron of Grange, Co. Sligo. First prize in single poem category was also won by a Derry poet, Vincent Cavanagh, while Muff writer Mary Barron and Clonmany entrant Mary Doherty took second and third places respectively.

Ms Campbell said she was "delighted" with the success of her ten poem collection at the autumn school of which internationally renowned playwright Brian Friel is patron.

Competition adjudicator, literature lecturer Bridget O'Toole, said she "very much enjoyed" the high standard of all the works entered.
"There's a wonderful variety of subjects: memories of childhood and traditional ways - personal relationships; old people with a mystery about them; landscape especially, both distant and close.

"I found a range of personal feeling in these poems and the courage to confront extremes, from an outright declaration of love to the despair that contemplates dying."

She added: "I have no doubt that some of the most simply expressed poems took the greatest care and concentration. these are the ones which draw the readers attention at once."