WINNER

Bookies favourite Julian Barnes was named the winner of this year's £50,000 Booker Prize.

Barnes has been shortlisted for the award three times, but it was his novel, The Sense of an Ending, that he finally prevailed.

It tells the story of a seemingly ordinary man who, when revisiting his past in later life, discovers that the memories he holds are less than perfect.

Dame Stella Rimington, Chair of the 2011 judges, made the announcement at the awards dinner at London's Guildhall, broadcast by the BBC.

She commented: "Julian Barnes, The Sense of an Ending has the markings of a classic of English Literature. It is exquisitely written, subtly plotted and reveals new depths with each reading."