search a range for an instance of A, B or VC

In a fault tracking workbook trailer faults are recorded on a worksheet which will give an overview sheet a red tag against its number if there is a fault recorded in the given cell.

It has been asked wether the details shown on the header of the fault sheet can record the last type and date of service. The source sheet cannot be changed so the cell would be required to search the part of the range I6:N32 relevant to itself and report the type/date. I was thinking of trying first instance of the range to conatin data until I noticed entries are often made after the information I require.

The attached file shows the source data as sheet1 and the result data as sheet2 with the required cell marked in yellow recording "A 20/01/2011" etc

Any pointers would be much appreciated. Rgds Nigel

Not entirely sure I follow but perhaps:

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edit:
that said I don't understand why you expect A 20/01/2011 for the example ... I would have expected A 02/02/2011 for TR36

Hi DonkeyOte, your solution is nearly ideal except for instances where as in TR150/TR151where there is an entry stating OK for that period, after the last service data required. The solution would have to only record entries that start in A, B or VC rather than the last text entry in the index lookup

can the lookup include an IF or a filter to achieve this, many thanks nigel

Not tested in great depth but perhaps:

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looks worse than it is given the repetition etc..

the first LOOKUP and CHOOSE acts as an error handler for where no instances exist (eg TR216) - assumes XL2003 (ie pre XL2007 and IFERROR)