he realised they were missing.

Sir Edwin, Governor of Bermuda from 1973 to 1977, fears his treasured decorations were pocketed by a tourist greedy for a souvenir of the Royal visit.

Now he faces a hefty bill to have the awards reproduced by an expert in England.

The lost medals were special miniatures, designed to be worn at evening functions. Sir Edwin still has the larger versions, which are worn with uniforms.

Three of the decorations were presented in person by the Queen, including those of a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George and a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.

Also included in the row of 10 medals were decorations for Second World War service in Britain and Western Europe with the Canadian Army.

The medals and ribbons were attached to a metal bar, which clipped to a jacket.

Sir Edwin, 74, lives in Paget. He said yesterday: "The invitation requested full evening dress and decorations, so I put them on.

"When I got back to my house I discovered that the clasp had come undone and they had fallen off, which was a shock.'' Hotel staff combed the premises for the medals without success, he said.

"These are memories of great occasions. It's possible they will be found.

If they're not, I think somebody just walked off with them.

"I'll simply have to have a completely new set made. I'm hard to upset, but it's a little upsetting.'' WORN WITH PRIDE -- Sir Edwin Leather, in Governor's uniform, with his medals.

He has lost a similar set, made smaller to be worn with evening dress.