Thanks.
I ended up calling an Apple support technician.
Deleted Safari version 6 easily enough & attempted to reinstall the Safari that came with the MacBook via 1 of the install Discs. This version turned our to be Safari v 3 (disc dated 2008). I have not used time machine - ever.
After reinstalling Safari v 3, the message on screen states that the 'version is too new for the operating system'. Doing a software update didn't help as message advised there were 'no new updates'. I do not know why-perhaps updates not being provided to an operating system that is now 4 versions old....?
All seems strange and apple technician was surprised and unable to remedy.
From what I can gather, only real options are to back up my existing files on to an external hard drive (I do not have an external hard drive) and reinstall everything via the 2 start up discs (wiping everything currently there) and then time machine saved files back onto the computer. Even then, the operating system on my install disc is 10.5.2. and would require updating to a newer operating system.
Either that or I purchase a new or refurbed computer.
I lean towarda the latter option choose to buy a new computer over coming weeks/months.
Not happy but lessons learnt.