Thanks for your reply. It was definitely rust. They have gone now. I have dug up four this afternoon. Each plant was large than carving plates !. They did flower well this year, but have been there for many years.
An old gardener from the village, said, get rid. Rust is a spore disease, and may transfer to other plants.
I asked him about the spores in the soil, and he said not to worry. It wasn't easy though because there rooting system was all muddled up with the roots of my big tree fern, which run just under the surface. Now I have a lovely clear bed. I feel pleased with myself, and shall buy some more Echinaceas and other pretties.
Thanks for your answer. regards Mrs Bouquet