Beers all round boys !!!!

It was indeed the AllowOveride All line that did the trick. I have a
couple of bits to update with regards to the database, as it's
currently not an exact copy of my web database, but that's easily
sortable.

All I now need is a masterclass in more complex rewrite rules - any
takers ??

But seriously, thanks so much for all your help, I can sleep happy
tonight !!!

Mark.