[A4] Handbrake not locking in position

[Trevor Jackson]

My '98 1.8T manual has recently developed a problem where the handbrake no
longer stays in position if I engage it.  It's like whatever stops it from
falling is not locking into place.  The hand brake otherwise works though.  

 

Does anyone have any suggestions on what it could be and how I can fix it?
I've been leaving it in 1st gear as a parking brake but I think that I might
be putting unnecessary stress on my gearbox.

 

 

Thanks in advance!