I've tried the gradient linear simple fade fill effect, thanks for bringing it to my attention. Yes this is good to have the ability to choose 4 colours, I've learnt something I didn't know here too

However, to get the centre thickness right, the top and bottom colours lose their impact, because the centre band becomes 'neon' like shining, even when I go into the Pantone CMYK Uncoated and select a fairly pale yellow. The brilliance applied to the centre band due the thickness required, just takes away the red and green. So for now, I have to play around with my workaround.

Thanks guys, I do appreciate your input