Before you say anything about French cars, I'm asking on behalf of my brother.

Apologies for the vague description, but it went a bit like this,
Went to pull away from a junction,
He heard a large bang
Then was left with absolutely no drive
(a sitting duck on pitsea broardway!!).

He says that the clutch cable is fine, the pedal returns to it's normal position, but he reckons that the springs have given way inside the clutch but he's unsure of this.

Does anyone know a good mechanic in the Pitsea area of Basildon who can help diagnose what's gone, do people think this a job for which he'll need to get the car towed to a garage for diagnosis?.

Anyone got ideas on what to check for next to help narrow down the causes, any help is greatly appreciated.

The thing is he's on a very tight budget and can't really afford to spend money on parts when he's unsure of the exact problem.

Any idaes guys are welcome & thanks in advance

Sounds like the thrust bearing has died to me, I was quoted £250 to get mine replaced on my mk1 punto inc labour, told them no chance and did it myself