Chilliman I've checked the Amazon for
Bryan Petersons "Understanding Exposure" and coincidently I've been thinking about that book before I've started that thread so I'm glad you are recommending it
brian wright22 thank you for your suggestions on the equipment!! although I've already bought a camera, there is still a lot of other bits and pieces that I''ll have to get eventually!! I've also looked through the Amateur Photographer magazine in WHSmith but I think I would like a magazine with some more tutorials in it...

Dabhand yes I am concidering joining a course starting from next year!! You are right, that It's so much easier if you can ask someone for help when you get stack on something
and finally
Charlotte WOW that will certainly give me some ideas of books to browse through!!!

good it's Christmas comming so I can add some of it on my 'christmas presnt' list

Cheers!!!!