Post Office scandal victim receives Welsh honour

Noel Thomas has received one of Wales' highest honours for his campaign work during the post office scandal

One of the victims of the Post Office scandal has received one of Wales' highest honours at the National Eisteddfod.

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.

He was honoured on Friday by Gorsedd Cymru at this year's event in Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Mr Thomas received a standing applause from members of the audience as he accepted his honour.

"To a proud Welshman like myself it's been a great honour to be amongst such wonderful people to be quite honest - people from all parts of life, and to share that as an ordinary postman it's been fantastic," he said.

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, external in recognition of their services to the nation.

Mr Thomas said it was a "great honour" to be inducted as a member into the Gorsedd.

"It's not for me, its for everybody. I'm a proud Welshman and I've got to thank the Welsh media, starting with Sion Tecwyn and 'Taro Naw'.

"They played a big part in my life and it's way of thanking them," he said.

Hundreds of people were convicted after faulty Horizon software flagged false discrepancies in accounts.

A public inquiry has been looking at how the court cases were brought against sub-postmasters.

In July, Mr Thomas was awarded an honorary degree by Bangor University for his public service in raising awareness of the Horizon scandal.

Speaking on the achievements, he said it's been "quite a year."

"It's fantastic. I was in Swansea as my grandson was getting his degree, it's been quite a few weeks," he said.