Thank you everyone who responded!

I am now aware of the problem thanks to Lignum and friends. 

I am going to try and reinstate my missing images over the coming week and now need to decide if I remain with wordpress.com or take on the challenge of WordPress.org?

I am as you are probably aware not all that tech savvy so I think I might stay with what I am familiar with.

I just wanted to wish all my blogging friends a very happy Christmas and  I will hopefully return after I sort out my next move?

Any advice as always would be most welcome!

take care everyone

Seasons Greetings

Bob