thanks for all the input folks, very much apreciated. i live near Robin hood/Finningley/Sheffield/call it what you will??? airport (even the locals call it by different names) so carriers operating there will be my first port of enquiry. after that there is LBA and East mids within a reasonable driving distance (i already have a 72 mile round trip to work and back). with luck i will be successful, and if so i hope to fly with you folk some day.
all the best.
Greg