my bitch gave birth last night and has been a bit distant from the pups, if they go to her to feed she will growl at them and move away but stays in the box with them, if i place them on her and stay with her she accepts them just fine. what can i do to get her to accept her pups??

Stay with her till her instincts kick in. She shouldn't be left alone with them for a week or two anyway.

Are you absolutely sure she's finished, and that there are no more pups or afterbirths to come?

very sure all finished all pups came with their placentas and the last one was born 6 hours ago, she has stopped panting and moving around and her stomach has gone soft.

I agree just give her time, I take it she is a first time mum, they don't always know what to do straight away, can be frightened and unsure, that's why they need us for re-assurance and to sometimes help placing the pups to teat, if you keep calm and light hearted, speaking gently as though you have no worries it will rub off on her too,  be careful that your anxiety does not get picked up by her, she is not trying to get away from them so good sign, just needs a little confidence that is all. :-)