Superb advice - got a Spektrum Dx6i in the end. I had to do some careful swaping around of springs (and a little clamping to stop right stick up/down movement) but now have very capable 2.4Ghz stick radio at a great price. It even has four spare channels and extras such as two receivers (makes sure the radio can always talk to the RC vehicle, it uses the second if it encounters problems, a plane/heli thing) and throttle kill button etc...
That was my plan but going to a conference in Warwick for work now :( . Looks good for the following week but also free next Sunday (not this weekend) if we can head up to the club to try out the track and get in some practice (happy to join club - how do I do that by the way?)