Jo Hamilton was rightly feted after her story was brought to life in the hit ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office.

So it felt apt when the inspirational former sub-postmistress from South Warnborough agreed to open two fetes on the same day.

The tireless campaigner has spoken of her honour in agreeing to open the events in her village and Bentworth this Saturday.

“It’s really what village life is all about isn’t it?” said Jo, who was portrayed by Monica Dolan in the show about the Post Office’s Horizon computer system scandal.

“I was so lucky to have the love and support of my village when I went for sentencing back in the day. From the moment we had the village hall meeting to explain how much trouble I was in, they were by my side.”

The sordid tale of the Horizon scandal has been well documented with Jo and others being wrongly prosecuted when IT errors gave the impression that money was being stolen.

She has long fought for justice for similar victims, while also supporting WASPI women hit by the rise in state age pension.

Villagers can expect plenty of classic stalls and games when the South Warnborough event returns to Lees Hill after a four-year absence. The fun will begin at 12.30pm with highlights including welly-wanging, a book stall, dog show, BBQ, tug-of-war and Triple fff beer.

The Bentworth event will begin at 2pm on St Mary’s School field and in Jubilee Village Hall with highlights including a vintage car display, obstacle course, coconut shy and a pop-up arts section.

Bentworth Fete chair Charlie Phillips said: “We’re absolutely delighted Jo is going to open our fete for us, it’s a real honour.

 “The theme of our fete is community and Jo is the embodiment of that.”