Automatic Sequence Numbering with Autofilter

Hi i would like to ask for assistance in solving my excel97 problem in creating an Automatic Sequence Numbering eventhou I have Autofilter on my spreadsheet. Example below shows my excel sheet that has Cell "ITEM" that should be auto populated "?"(eg. 1,2,3,4...etc) even when I Autofilter Column "Trade" or "Current Location". If anybody can provide me a Formula that I could put on Item Column or a Macro that would create the auto numbering up to the end of the data. Since that data might be increasing or decreasing. Thanks for the assistance... IGI


EXAMPLE:

ITEM Job No Workcard No SX No Trade Current Location
00001 24123871 61944486 AV Unassigned
00002 24123872 61944487 AV Unassigned
00003 25190101 61944488 A/C Unassigned
00004 3610087P1 61944489 A/C Unassigned
00005 3610087P2 61944499 A/C Unassigned
00006 3610087P3 61944494 A/C Unassigned

Hi royUK

i tried your formula but it gives me "VALUE" response
might be i did not get your instructions correctly
do you have any other solution???

also i will make the sample short, please see below
i need the "?" to be auto in-sequence even i filter the "TRADE" & "LOCATION"
3
any formula or macro will do
thanks ---IGI


ITEM : TRADE : LOCATION
======================
? : AC : QC
======================
? : AV : PPC
======================
? : AC : PPC
======================
? : AC : QC
======================
? : AV : PPC

thanks that helps !!!