Thanks again for the help. We got it out ! We realised that with some sharp braking the ring slid to the front of the vent and could be seen by someone sitting on the bonnet - after a couple of frustrating hours fishing with a bent piece of wire, eventually sticking a load of duct tape to the end ...

That's great guys, thanks for the advice and the picture! I'm glad the pipes look mostly horizontal, will try and get in there tonight...

Arrgh, we've lost a ring down the drivers side inside windscreen air vent - it slid down the dashboard top and just fell in. It has big sentimental value! Where is it likely to have ended up? What's the easiest way to get into the vent to look for it?

Any suggestions greatly appreciated...

Steve