Hi All,
Firstly, thanks to all who replied to my first post and I thought I'd let you know what I found ..
The two filters looked more like hardboard and obviously hadn't been changed since it was made! (5 points to those who guessed that one).
Secondly (and also as predicted) the rubber flap at the bottom of the wand system was jammed open with a mixture of spoke ends and fluff (another 5 points).
I bothered to strip the thing down to give all the plastic bits a good wash, a pair of new filters, some fresh double sided tape behind the bumper rubber and gave it back to him looking (and running) like new! (FWIW) ;-)
As a 'thankyou' he offered me an Electrolux Contour Flexihead 1000W (upright) that he was going to put out for the dustman? (nice mates eh!)
So, that's now been stripped, cleaned re-assembled and is currently awaiting a new belt, filter and bag(s) (again, the motor filter looked like hardboard) if you think it's worth it?
Running that (and the Dyson) remind me just how quiet the Miele (Big) Cat & Dog is!
All the best and thanks again ..
T i m