The family and friends of Liverpool teacher Gillian Gibbons, who was jailed for allowing her class to name a teddy bear Mohammed, have spoken of their joy after she was given a presidential pardon.

Her 25-year-old son John said from outside his home on Monday: “I’ve just heard from Gordon Brown this morning. Obviously we’re very pleased.

“We’ve just got to contain our excitement until she’s on the plane. The family won’t be 100% happy until she’s on the plane.

“I’d like to thank the Government for all they have done, the hard work behind the scenes, especially the two peers who went out there. Everyone’s been really great.”

He added: “Obviously it’s a great feeling today, we’re very pleased, we have been under a lot of pressure.”

Asked if he had spoken to his mother since her release, he said no but added: “I’m sure she’ll be very pleased although quite embarrassed to be on the news permanently, but very pleased.

“It’s been a strange old week, very stressful and particularly bad for the family but now she’s coming home, fingers crossed. If this week has taught me anything it is that anything can happen.”

At the school Mrs Gibbons left in July there were scenes of joy.

Headteacher Gill Jones said: “On behalf of the staff, governors, parents and children of Dovecot Primary School, I would like to express our relief and delight at the news of Gillian Gibbons’ release.

“She and her family have been very much in all of our thoughts during these worrying few days. I hope she will now be allowed some time alone with her family to recuperate from her ordeal. We send her our love and best wishes.”