Thanks for your help rocks1, it looks like an electrical falt, and as its an old machine i have decided its not worth spending money on. cheers anyway.
I have the left hand cover off now and have found that if Imove the red float upwards the machine starts up but still does not take water in. If i pour water in to the bottom it pumps out OK (when I lift the float) so that part of it works.
My dishwasher has tripped out and will not start the cycle, although the red lights are on. The bottom was full of water which I have dreaned, I have the left hand panel off and can see the trip mechanism but can't get it to reset. Ant ideas?