Hi john.........
the pedal goes straight to the floor with with very little pressure required to press it, it comes back up on its own, i guess thats just spring pressure from the pedal doing that....?
i fitted a new slave cylinder and the fault is still there. the cars going in to the garage on friday, it does sound like a release bearing / sliding failure.....
i'll keep you posted..... thanks again for your advice and info..
steve