Ford Ka - Noise from steering column - mikem

Hi all. We have a noise coming from the steering column of my daughter's KA whenever the steering wheel is moved. This is louder than just a light 'plastic against plastic' type of sound - It's as if something has fallen into the narrow gap between the back of the wheel and the column cowl, although I doubt that this is actually the case and certainly can't see anything when viewed from the sides.

Any ideas as to what it might be please? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks