Managed to get the bonnet open
It has taken a week of periodically pulling the release lever and pushing/pulling on the bonnet.
Need to fit a good battery and see if it starts now.
What can possibly go wrong
New battery I ordered from Tayna yesterday (standard delivery) arrived today.
Need to get of my arse and fit it now.
Fitted the new battery yesterday - wouldn't start.
Gave the battery a good charge overnight, refitted it today and finally got it started - (for the first time in 5 years).
There is something not quite right with the starter motor. Cranking was slower than it should be and my helper said that they saw sparks and some magic smoke - almost as if the starter wasn't bolted tightly to the engine.
Something to investigate before the MOT.
Once the engine was running I had to shunt it back & forth a few times before the rear brakes would let go. Brake discs look surprisingly good but tomorrow I will get the wheels off and have a closer look.