Between 1999 and 2015 hundreds of sub-postmasters were prosecuted and convicted based on information from a faulty accounting system, Horizon, which made it look like money was missing.
Some sub-postmasters wrongfully went to prison, many were financially ruined and forced to declare bankruptcy, while others describe being shunned by their communities following convictions for false accounting and theft. Some have since died.
The wave of publicity following the ITV drama led to former Post Office boss Paula Vennells handing back her CBE, after more than a million people signed a petition calling for her to be stripped of the honour.
There has been continued anger among many victims at the slow pace at which compensation payments are being made, and the amounts being offered.
An inquiry into the scandal saw its final statements submitted just before Christmas, ending two-and-a-half years of evidence sessions.
It emerged that the Post Office has spent £132m of taxpayer money defending itself at the inquiry, according to the latest available figures.
Post Office chairman Nigel Railton has said that the Post Office is “learning from the serious failings of the past”.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “I’m pleased to see a group of Horizon sub-postmasters recognised in this New Years Honours list.
“They deserve special recognition for their tireless campaign for postmasters who have waited far too long to get justice – and whilst this government has doubled the total which has been paid out, we remain committed to seeing justice done.”
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