A renowned opera singer's priceless musical legacy has gone missing after the closure of part of an Eastbourne library.

When renowned tenor Richard Lewis died in 1989 he left behind a unique insight into the life of a music legend.

Forty musical manuscripts, all dotted with directions, notes and ideas, offered a rare glimpse into the mind of a world-famous performer.

Ten years after his death, his widow Elizabeth donated his precious legacy to the people of Sussex to share the knowledge he had accumulated.

However, instead of treasuring the priceless scores, it appears librarians have lost them.

Mrs Muir-Lewis, of Manor Way, Ratton, Eastbourne, sent the manuscripts to the music library based at the central library in Eastbourne two years ago.

When the music section of the library was closed, she was confident they would be moved to another location, with the rest of the books, records and scores.

Mrs Muir-Lewis, the daughter of Scottish broadcaster Fife Robertson, said: "When I donated the scores I didn't even receive a letter of thanks from the library. They were very special and valuable. We don't know what has happened to them."

Library staff were unable to shine any light on the whereabouts of the files.

They believe the scores may have been moved to a storage depot in Lewes but staff there said they had not had a chance to unpack boxes and could not locate the manuscripts, which are valued at £10 to £25 each but are priceless to music academics.

Mrs Muir-Lewis held on to a number of the sheaves of music, including the score to Elgar's Dream Of Gerontius, the last work her husband performed.

They will not be donated to East Sussex County Council.

Instead, the Royal Academy of Music has gladly accepted her offer to pass them on.

Mr Lewis, who died aged 75, toured the world as a freelance professional and was a regular face at Glyndebourne, where he performed in countless operas.

His wife, who directs the Eastbourne Choral Society, said: "My husband would have been horrified at what has happened."

She is one of 60 protesters fighting the gradual downgrading of the county's music service.

A county council spokesman said: "This is a matter of concern to us and we are investigating."