A FORMER Royal Marine and Special Services soldier has made a heartfelt appeal for people to help him find a 'priceless' lost medal.

Lee Collard, 62, of Church, lost his silver Hors de Combat medal while walking around the cenotaph in Oakhill Park, Accrington, and despite searching the ground and contacting local shops he cannot trace it.

The former Lt Col of the SAS is now County Bugler and was awarded the medal after being shot by terrorists while on service in Cyprus in 1958, prior to its eventual separation into Greek and Turkish zones.

Mr Collard, of Church Street, has served all over the world, including Christmas Islands, and was a member of a number of elite fighting forces including the Special Boat Service in his 38-year career.

He said the medal was of huge sentimental value and use as he plays in a number British Legion band events.

Mr Collard said the silver medal is the same size as any other medal and has a ribbon with a red centre and two thin blue lines outside. It's difficult to describe but it looks like an owl swooping down. It is awarded to servicemen who have been shot or injured.

"I was out around the cenotaph in Oakhill Park one day and I lost it, I think, somewhere about 25 yards around it. It is silver but it is not worth that much on the market and holds more personal value to me. I play in a lot of bands and I feel undressed without it. Although I have eight medals this is one of the four I wear with my uniform when I play in the band.

"I've got an event at Great Harwood's British Legion and a lot of Americans are coming over. It's a big event and I would like to wear it for that.

"Apart from people noticing it is missing, it wouldn't feel right without it. I could get another one, but it takes such a long time and costs money.

"I've been all over the area, around all the shops and been to the police but nobody knows anything. I just would like people to help me get it back, it's priceless to me and means a lot."

Anyone with any information can call Mr Collard on 01254 384488.