many thanks for your advice i will get to it first thing, and let you know how it goes, unfortunately the only gap was 2 - 3 years so no joy there i am very thankful for your help i feel like i have been thrown a lifeline here and will get in touch with the nearest c.a.b. as soon as possible, and i will keep the debt agency at bay for as long as i can until at least i get as you say some ti,e with a councillor, many thanks for all your help, i am very very grateful, regards - peewee59