Mr. Edmead, of Smith's, was mailed an autographed letter by Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.

He has also written to PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat, who has yet to reply.

Earlier this year, the two men signed an agreement to end the conflict between Jews and Arabs. Israel agreed to recognise the PLO as the representative of Palestinians while the PLO recognised Israel's right to exist.

Rabin's letter, which Mr. Edmead received last week, states the Prime Minister's personal wish for world peace. "It is our wish,'' Rabin wrote, "to open a new chapter of mutual recognition, good neighbourliness, mutual respect and understanding.'' In addition to Rabin's autograph, Mr. Edmead has recently received letters from Jean Chretien, the new prime minister of Canada, former New York Police commissioner Ray Kelly and Irish prime minister Albert Reynolds.

Mr. Edmead said that he would especially treasure his letter from Rabin.

"This letter was a real Christmas gift for me because it was signed by him personally, and written to me personally,'' he said.

"The next autographs that I want to collect are the ones from the astronauts that have just completed the Endeavour mission.'' PIECE OF HISTORY -- Autograph collector Lee Edmead holds the letter written to him by Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.