thanks for the information that you have provided terpe.
yea it looks like i will have to bite the proverbial bullet and give them a call, if i don't get an answer from them i can always try the local CAB or local immigration advisor to see if they are able to help or give any further information.
You are probably right that the co-sponsors may need to reside in the UK but you never know so its always worth looking into.
Again thank you for the information you have provided.