A GRATEFUL teacher is overjoyed that she will get to stay in the country for Christmas after a petition helped overturn her deportation.

Lisa Thompson, a Sandhurst School maths teacher thanks the community's support during the ordeal and couldn't believe how it caused the decision to reverse.

She said: "This Christmas is more meaningful because we came so close to losing everything. My first day back at work was filled with hugs and congratulations. I am so happy to return to work.

"The community signed the petition, called the MP, as well as the Home Office on our behalf. The community involvement caused the decision to reverse."

The family can now spend Christmas at home as their visa extension was finally approved and are just waiting for their biometric cards.

Debbie Smith, headteacher at Sandhurst School said: "We are thrilled to have Lisa back and she is spending her time catching up with her classes. We can be much more optimistic as we look to the new term in January than would have been the case had we have been without a teacher."

When they initially heard the news, the family felt 'shocked' and 'frustrated' that they had been forced to go back to America, especially as Lisa paid £5,000 for the visa extension.

Her friends then rallied support by setting up an online petition which gained over 5,000 signatures - helping overturn her case.

Mrs Thompson added: "I am overjoyed by the support the Sandhurst community has shown the family. We are so grateful and happy this Christmas."

A Home Office spokesperson said: "Mrs Thompson's application was initially correctly refused in line with the Immigration Rules.

"Mrs Thompson will not be required to depart the UK while the application is under consideration, and she will not need to pay a fee for reapplication."