Struggling now. Had a mechanic (with excellent rep) look at it briefly Monday and then for a few hours today and he came up non the wiser.
Originally he said the fuel seemed to smell and taste funny. He ran, what he said, were full diagnostics to the capability of his equipment but nothing was showing. He said the plugs were soaked in fuel but I assume that may be because I had been trying to start it for a while?
I've managed to borrow a car from a friend for now but I do want to get this fixed. The car's in great condition and in the last 6 months I've had all wheels refurb'd, new discs and pads all round and an MOT with no advisories..the car is wonderful so worth spending a bit on.
Now I'm getting a bit more desperate to find someone that can come and have a look for me. I'm happy to pay going rates, never after freebies.