A Chester poet was joined by fellow writers at a farewell lunch as she heads to Greek as part of a writing prize.

Gill McEvoy celebrated at Upton-by-Chester Golf Club prior to her departure to a summer school where she will represent Harvard University’s Centre for Hellenic Studies as poet in residence.

The residency is part of Gill’s prize for winning the prestigious Michael Marks prize for her pamphlet ‘The First Telling’ which confronts rape and its aftermath.

She also received a cheque for £5,000.

The pamphlet was read by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, who supports Rape Crisis. She said: “I am sure that this pamphlet will help people to understand what it means to be a survivor of rape.”