Rizla
Thanks for you continued help.
I decided to reset the router to factory settings and reinstall. This took some time as it didn't reset but trip to netgear web site indicated I wasn't holding the reset button down long enough. I have now reinstalled router and wireless connection is working, hurrah!!
In answer to your last post, I had already tried turning encryption off that didn't help. The SSID is set to broadcast.
Now that the wireless connection is enable again on laptop, it would seem that the laptop was picking up the connection but as an unsecured one which I was unable to connect to (I assume that it was as unsecured connection has now disappeared)
Any way problem now appears to be resolved but I appreciate your help, thank you.
Happy New Year.
gom