Closed the bonnet on my VW Mk3 Golf and now it won't release using the operating cable. Had a look around the lock / front grill area but need some bright ideas on how to release the catch. ??????

my bmw did something like that. cable snapped. best bet is see where you can find the cable (nearest the latch) cut it, and pull on the cable inside. of course that means you need a new cable. i gave my car to the garage to fix it. they had the whole front off my car

Get somebody to press the front of the bonnet down while you try the lever if the cable is still attached and keep it greased as they tell newly weds everywhere.

You can open a mk2 by removing the vw badge not sure if it works on a mk3

Common problem with a lot of cars , Try getting someone to pull the release lever while gently banging the front of the bonnet with your hand . After releasing give the mechanism a good dosing of oil.