All fixed and took 5 mins. Noticed that the rubber pad had been pushed too hard, causing it to fold into the recess. This caused the plastic lever behind it to become misaligned and therefore not hit the micro switch which is operating fine. Two screws to remove, put it all back together and all is well.
Another forum member had the same problem and solved it easily....here's the thread with how to do it:-
http://www.sportsmaserati.co.uk/showthread.php/19501-Boot-release-stopped-working
fixed . thanks again