On some of my excel spreadsheets, an amount typed in sterling shows as a date e.g. 10.00will show as 10.00.2000. I can correct by going to format but it only corrects the single entry even if I select the whole column - any assistance much appreciated.

You don't say which version of Excel you have, but the problem is simply a matter of formatting. Try right-clicking on the column and select "Format Cells". The first tab says "Number". It likely will have "Date" highlighted. Select "General" or some other entry if one is more appropriate.

I tested this using Excel 2002 and Excel 2007 and both of them have the "Format Cells" entry under a right-click.

Many thanks for your help Perito - it worked a treat.