Former Post Office boss Paula Vennells has said she will hand back her CBE with immediate effect.

It comes after the fallout of the Horizon IT scandal which led to the wrongful prosecution of hundreds of sub-postmasters.

In a written statement issued to the PA news agency, Paula Vennells said: “I continue to support and focus on co-operating with the inquiry and expect to be giving evidence in the coming months.

“I have so far maintained my silence as I considered it inappropriate to comment publicly while the inquiry remains ongoing and before I have provided my oral evidence.

Lia Williams as Paula Vennells in Mr Bates vs The Post Office ITV

“I am, however, aware of the calls from sub-postmasters and others to return my CBE.

“I have listened and I confirm that I return my CBE with immediate effect.

“I am truly sorry for the devastation caused to the sub-postmasters and their families, whose lives were torn apart by being wrongly accused and wrongly prosecuted as a result of the Horizon system.

“I now intend to continue to focus on assisting the inquiry and will not make any further public comment until it has concluded.”