Thank you, Thank you, Thank you - oh great enlightened BBFU I stared at that for so long..... And - STUPIDLY - I did have the quotes around $model !!! Sometimes you really can't see the wood for the trees... Thanks again - your a mate! d. Thanks to all for the input and TIMTOWTDI for the comments - as an amateur - I have started off with too many bad habits. I'm going to put them in check before they get out of hand!