Postmistress campaigns for community who backed her after theft claims

Former Easton postmistress Sue Beacock, who became a recluse for 10 years after she was accused of false accounting in the Horizon software Post Office scandal, is now working to help others in the Portland community.

It's a fresh new start for Sue who, along with postmasters and postmistresses across the country, lost her livelihood and was ordered to repay missing Post Office funds in one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in UK history.

She is now working to improve the dilapidated Portland Islanders Youth Centre as its chairwoman and says it has 'brought her back to life'.

She said: "The Islanders brought me back to life. It brought me back into the community where I love being.

"The scandal cost me my 50s so I have been living it all in my 60s."

Left to right; Sue Beacock, Emma Johns, Cassie Beacock and Lisa Reed. (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

The Islanders centre serves youngsters and also has a sports hall that can be used for residents of any age.

The centre has been able to secure funding to fix the major issues and is covering its operation costs, but is now looking to the future to create a centre that will last 'the next 50 years'.

This includes renovations to the sports and multi-function hall estimated to cost £20,000.

Sue says the only thing in the hall that doesn't need work is the floor.

She said: "With the current financial climate, there is not a lot of money around, so we are grateful for anything that we can get, every pound will go towards something. It will all make a difference to the children and to the community.

"It has been slow but we are doing a lot. We are quite stable now, but what we don't have is money to the place up.

"The centre has become a central part of the community and we are growing all the time. There is still a long way to go but it is all positive."

The sports hall, which is also used as a multi-purpose space, is in need of renovations (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

The centre has been a fixture on the isle since 1974, providing a safe and enjoyable space for kids to spend their time.

Nowadays it is the only space of its kind available to residents of Underhill.

A celebration of the centre's 50th anniversary is planned for July 13, although it is in the very early stages and the centre is looking for organisations that want to be involved.

Volunteers are also wanted. Even if it is only helping with the gardening or with a 30-minute session. If you are interested email: islandersyacc@gmail.com

The centre is also looking for old pictures of the centre for a collage celebrating its 50th.

To donate to the crowdfunding page visit: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Islanders50thSportsHall