First female Poet Laureate named (UK)

"Carol Ann Duffy has been named as the new Poet Laureate, the first woman to be appointed in the 341-year history of the post. Duffy, 53, who takes over immediately from Andrew Motion and will serve 10 years in the position, says she will give the GBP5,750 annual payment away. The author, who is best known for her collection The World's Wife, is also the first Scot to be named Laureate. The appointment will be formally announced by the culture secretary" - BBC