Post Office victim to be honoured at eisteddfod

Noel Thomas was wrongly jailed for false accounting in 2006 after his books fell short by £48,000

One of the victims of the Post Office scandal is set to receive one of Wales' highest honours at the National Eisteddfod this week.

Noel Thomas, 77, from Anglesey, was one of the sub-postmasters who was wrongly imprisoned due to the Post Office's faulty Horizon computer programme.

Now, he will be honoured by Gorsedd Cymru at this year's event in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The Gorsedd of the Bards is composed of individuals who have made significant contributions to Wales, its language and culture.

Those who have excelled in fields such as law, science, sports, journalism, media and local or national activities are inducted as honorary druids, receiving blue robes in recognition of their services to the nation.

Additionally, the Gorsedd admits new members to the green robes for their contributions to the arts.

This year, 49 people will be inducted into the order at the National Eisteddfod, held in Pontypridd this week.

Joseff Gnagbo sought asylum in Wales in 2018

Among them are Joseff Gnagbo, an asylum seeker from the Ivory Coast and chairman of the Welsh language group Cymdeithas yr Iaith, and Theresa Mgadzah Jones, who emigrated from Zimbabwe to Cardiff as a 12-year-old.

She has since been a prominent advocate for the Welsh language among migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees.

Theresa has worked with the Red Cross in Newport and the National Centre for Learning Welsh to introduce Welsh to new communities.

Theresa Mgadzah Jones, of the British Red Cross, is among those being honoured.

Another recipient of the honour is Megan Williams from New York state.

She has been recognised for her efforts in promoting Welsh as the editor-in-chief of Ninnau, a Welsh community paper.

She also organises the annual North America Festival of Wales.

Also being honoured are Nerys Howell, a food expert who has promoted Welsh produce globally through her cookbooks, and her daughter Elinor Snowsill, a retired rugby player who earned 76 caps for Wales.

Rhuanedd Richards, the director of BBC Wales, will also be honoured in her hometown.