Hi Colin
It could well be soft metal, it does look it, and our using it over 5 years has just made it look like someone has been at it with a screwdriver.
If it wasn't so cold, wet and windy here in the sunny Ribble Valley and the caravan cover wasn't on AND I wasn't wearing a pair of shorts I would take a photo of it so we can compare the wear/damage. Perhaps see what tomorrow brings.....
It reminds me off the ignition on my old Lambretta scooter - if ever I had misplaced the ignition key I could start it with a flat screwdriver!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I haven't forgotten about the NE visit - I will send you something well before you go
Cheers
Mike