Yes that's it. Aldiss not Asimov and I could have sworn it was a short story. Mind you I just read so much when I was a teenager.

Have just ordered a second hand copy form Amazon. I hope it is as good as I remember but I think it was probably a premise that would really appeal to a shy teenager.

Thanks for your help - in less time than it takes to go and have my ear chewed off about our new computer system

Thanks again
J