All resolved using Mike's first suggestion.
I wasn't absolutely clear in the beginning, the gmail account is on a separate PC but using the same broadband connection, set up as an IMAP account.
This was straightforward but neither BT nor Fasthosts could be bothered to provide comprehensive instructions, its all in the set up wizard you just need to check the box and enter the outgoing server credentials. Thank God for Pprune.
Cheers,