Commissioner Colin Coxall knighted, according to sources in the UK.

The UK PM has responded to pleas from Bermudians that Mr. Coxall's work on the Island should be honoured -- ideally with a knighthood.

Now Mr. Blair has forwarded the letter to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which deals with honours for British subjects who have served overseas. A letter from Mr. Blair's private office at No. 10 Downing Street said: "The Prime Minister has asked me to thank you for your letter recommending an honour for Mr. Colin Coxall.

"It was helpful to have the information you provided and the Prime Minister will ensure that your suggestion is considered carefully.

"I have forwarded your letter to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office which deals with submissions for honours for British citizens overseas.'' The letter, from an unidentified group of Bermudians, is understood to have praised Mr. Coxall's work on the Island and asked that he be honoured.

Mr. Coxall, a senior Police officer in the UK before coming to Bermuda, would almost routinely have been awarded at least a CBE if he had retired from his old job at the City of London Police. And many officers of equivalent rank to Commissioner in the UK -- mostly Chief Constables -- are awarded knighthoods either during their service or when they retire. Many ex-Commissioners of the Bermuda Police Service have also had their contributions recognised with an award from the Crown.

Around eight officers and civilians in the Bermuda Police Service were given medals in the last round of honours.

Mr. Coxall -- who left Bermuda in October last year -- quit his service in Bermuda early after rows with Government boiled over.

Government blamed Mr. Coxall's failure to produce a succession plan for the two top Police jobs. But the controversy surrounding the drugs-busting Operation Cleansweep has been claimed to have been a major factor -- although that has been consistently denied by Government and Government House.

Ex-Minister Irving Pearman was caught in the Cleansweep net after cheques written by him were found on two men arrested by undercover cops.

Mr. Pearman -- who was never charged with any offence -- insisted the cheques were in payment for work around his Warwick home. Honours are recommended to the Prime Minister for forwarding to the Queen after the Governor consults with Cabinet Office.

But ex-PM John Major also instituted a scheme where members of the public can nominate people for awards in a bid to broaden the honours system.