First fault in so long, boot wouldn't open last tuesday morning when the car was frozen solid. Manually released the boot and checked connections and moved the solenoid manually at the weekend and (thanks to the guide on www.fabia-vrs.com - thanks again ) found the blown fuse!

Fuse replaced today and instantly blew again and boot didn't open (though it did make a bit of a noise). Solenoid FUBAR?

Have a look at the microswitch inside the rubber handle.

Solenoid had gone, now replaced. VAGtech did me proud as usual.

Solenoid had gone, now replaced. VAGtech did me proud as usual.

Thanks for letting us know - when searching old threads for answers all too often the OP doesn't give the solution which was found to be correct.