Thanks all, being a bit of muppet I forgot to use the immobiliser fob as well (not Land Rover) and presumed the key symbol was because of an incorrect key, so perhaps it will start - will try when I get home.

Yea, all sorted - sort off. After about 1001 attempts I managed to get it started by using the eka, took may attempts but my damn code also includes a number of 9's -grrr.

Now it is fully usable, just so long as I don't lock it, in which case I have to enter the eka again, but who is going to nick a 97 Discovery (good luck to them if they can start it without they code/key/fob).

Just a word to those who might have the same problem. Easy solution is Land Rover dealer for new key (£6) then use the eka code - very, very slowly and carefully, listen for the clicks! You do not need the remote to start and use the car as the immobiliser won't activate again until locked.

Very many thanks, especially discool for the advice (and eurika moment) on the eka, for your help, hopefully the keys my wife lost will turn up soon and I can lock the thing again.

There's a moral to this saga, always get spare keys / fobs sorted when you first get the vehicle as the above sounds a right head / ball ache.