button not working on blackberry curve 8520

[kid]

One of the keys (letter a) isn't working on my blackberry curve 8520. The phone is just over 2 years old so its not under warranty.

A local phone repairer might be able to do it but I wondered if there was anything I could do myself?

I can't open it as you need a special tool. Is there anything I can do or would it be better to just take it to be fixed? They said it will take 5 or 10 minutes so it can't be that big a job!

Ah, but they have a special tool! I would just pay the tenner or what ever. It probably just needs cleaning.

yeah, its only £10 to get fixed and its the first time its gone wrong. If they have to send it away, it will be £25 but thats still cheaper than getting a new phone. I might have to think about a case that covers the front too (if such a thing exists)
Its my old phone which DD now has, so I think she might be getting it really dirty with God knows what food and crisps in her pocket.