i thought i'd try and set the TPS right in the middle of its elongated holes - this gave a reading of just over 0.2 VDC from pin 17 at the ecu to ground.

tried it - works a treat now,

cheers for the help guys.

ps, dont know how this might help other with the same problem if they have not been messing about with their TPS - ie was working before storage and is now messing about etc - only thing i can think is the ECT sensor faulty..?