thanks.

I think I basically don't know how to loop thru the @variables and do the insert. I'm sure it is easy as it is one of the most common requirements...

wow!, you guys really get stuck in, don't you? I am the original poster and I posted a solution which worked for me. right after the one where I said...

Thanks David, that appears to be right on the money.

My DB is small so functions should be OK, I'll let you know how I get on.

Mark