>>>Why not get out of the loop once you found it? Though it would be using "premature exit" :)
>>
>>You're right. I meant to put an EXIT in there, although it breaks my fundamental rules, it's not too bad in a little loop like this. I was in a hurry to get he soln out before all you vultures descended but:
>>
>>1. I was too late anyway as about 5 of you had already jumped on it
>>2. There were far more succinct soln.s anyway (although not as readible or obvious the process)
>>
>>Woe is me! :-)
>
>ROFL :) I think actually the type solution is the best here.
>
>Someone told me recently (and actually two different persons), that it's not the timing, but the quality of the answer, that matters.

Well you never took any notice of it; I think you choke on your coffee to get an answer out before anyone else. :-)

Anyway, quality reply or not, once the asker has accepted a soln. he's not interested in even acknowledging others in many cases.