have added you matty as a friend...also, to anyone who would like to view..i have uploaded some photos in "my album" of the fireplace & no expansion gap...i have also placed a pound coin close..so as you can get some perspective...i hope the photos go along way as to finding out if the lack of expansion gap is the answer..if you zoom in on the complet fireplace pic..you can get avery good idea of the lack of expansion also, many many thanks guys and any comments etc greatly appreciated
