Devon author wins Man Booker Prize for second time

Hilary Mantel poses with her prize Credit: AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis

Hilary Mantel said she was left "weak at the knees" after becoming the first British writer to win the Man Booker Prize for Fiction twice after her novel Bring up the Bodies was named the best book of the year.

It's the second part in a historical trilogy based on the life of Thomas Cromwell. The first part, "Wolf Hall", won Hilary Mantel her first Man Booker prize in 2009. The judges said "Bring Up the Bodies" surpassed its predecessor.

The writer shrugged off the praise.

Six books were shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize Credit: John Stillwell/PA Wire

Mantel received a cheque for £50,000 after seeing off competition from five other contenders including journalist and novelist Will Self's book Umbrella which had been among the favourites to win.

The writer, who's 60, is currently writing the third instalment of her trilogy at her home in Budleigh Salterton. The first two parts are currently being made into a television series by the BBC. She doesn't have any expectations about the third, said to be called "The Mirror and the Light".

However, she's an author and so she should have the final word:

Hilary Mantel in 2009 with her Man Booker Prize winning novel, Wolf Hall Credit: AP Photo/ Alastair Grant