Many thank's HarrogateGas. I have looked up the "S-PLAN" circuit and can see exactly why you suggested that. Next time it fails I will know what to look for.
I have an Ideal Classic FF 240 (same as Optia FF 40 I believe). Most of the time it seems to run correctly but occasionally when the time switch goes off the boiler continues to run. I can hear a motor running (not sure if it is a fan or the water circulation) and the boiler lights for a short...