Thanks Power Tool, our opinion of the charging system concurs. The RAC however disagree and have told the owner that he needs a new alternator. And this is after sorting him out with a new battery on first call out. Obviously not charging after fitting as he called them out again 2 days later to have them drop him at a garage to purchase a new starter motor. I suspect the problem was a few bad connections and he could have saved a few quid - have cleaned them up and as mentioned charging seems ok. Have to sort the dash light though - cheers