Sounds roughly similar to this post.

There is an adjustment that can be done on the linkage. Might be worth trying.

 

Thanks, tried link but got "Sorry, the link that brought you to this page seems to be out of date or broken." ??
done a search on "linkage" and found adjustment procedure - will give this a try.

 

Apologies for posting a broken link. I managed to not copy the last digit of the post number.

The correct link is here!

 

The problem is solved !! Lifted the gear lever gaiter to look for the alignment hole and found the "mounting frame" was missing !!!! I think this might account for the excess right hand movement and the fact that reverse can be selected without raising the finger lift under the gear knob. All there is under there is a white plastic cup with spring loaded device in bottom, the reverse gear finger lift mech is still on the gear lever shaft but not connected to anything.
Has anyone out there got a spare they would like to sell me? or can recommend a breakers?