Thanks Candace,
It would be nice if it came out of the box with the 'Object Transparent' ticked.
I couldn't find the option as it does not display when in Design mode. In Edit mode it is hidden behind the big black square you can only just see the LHS edge and you have to guess which menu item you are on. And no, I am not using some custom skin, DNN skin that comes out of the box.
Lucky i am not that busy otherwise the boss would be having my arse for wasting so much time on this...