gap filling under soffit

[Nafe]

Hi all, hope I'm in the right section?!

I want to paint the outside of my house, it is all brickwork and rendering but where the soffits have been fitted under the guttering,there is a big gap which is probably around 2/3 fingers width away from the wall. What would be th best thing to fill these gaps with before painting? Can I point it? if so, would I need to put something up behind the soffit to hold the mortar up or is there a gap filler I can use which can be smoothed off and painted?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
Nafe

 

[big-all]

dont fill it cover it with mesh if your worried as theres a very good chance thats your ventilation into the attic and blocking it will cause dampness if it is

 

[Nafe]

Ok, would I find this at a particular type of supplier or is it something I'd find in B+Q?
Many thanks for your help

 

[Nige F]

roofline/plastics supplier

 

[Nafe]

OK thanks, one thing I failed to mention is that the ceiling is vaulted within the room with the beams all showing. So in other words there is no loft. Does it still apply that they are ventilation gaps or jut not finished very well?