A campaigner fighting for former Post Office workers embroiled in the Horizon scandal has gone back to school to tell her story.

The assembly began with a three-minute introductory video into the scandal and the events which led the former sub-postmaster from South Warnborough wrongly owing thousands and facing prison.

Her name was cleared with the award-winning ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office being a turning point for the campaign.

Jo talked to pupils about the faulty computer system and the trauma of facing sentencing, with pictures of newspaper reports and the acclaimed production being shown in the background.

She also answered questions from pupils which ranged from ‘what is probation’ to ‘what started the problem’ and ‘were you ready to go to jail?’

The answer to the last question was a resounding ‘yes’ as Jo had her bags all packed, only for the judge to question why she was even stood in the dock, with 74 supporters in the courtroom.

“She’s had to show love, courage and hope in a really tricky situation,” said co-head, Kathryn Maidment, in echoing the school mantra.

“There were difficulties with the Post Office computer system and it made people like Jo have a really awful time. But it just goes to show, that even in your darkest hour, there is hope.”

Speaking before the assembly, Jo told the Herald that the fighting continues as 300 victims still haven’t been reimbursed while eve Alan Bates has only been offered 30 per cent of what’s owed.

She said: “I didn’t intend to get involved as much as I did but you’ve got to step up – we didn’t really have a voice as people were yelling but nothing landed.”