Thanks everyone!!!
I tried the magnet trick and it worked-even though it was just a magnet on a string-a telescopic magnet or whatever would probably work better.
I was lucky that the circlip dropped onto a ledge or something and didnt drop to the bottom!
Thanks again
Will

 

This is got to be the best news I have heard all day. WTG[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Owner of one telescoping magnet stick, one bendable magnet stick and the small jaws of life stick.

ChetRacer[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

I once owned an XR 200 I bought second hand. The guy had recently rebuilt the top end. I rode it a couple times and changed the oil, to my dismay I found a circlip! Without doing anything to it, I rode that bike for another couple years with no troubles.