What ZA said. Rob probably knows all about whichever Pitts you're looking at and can tell you if you should go for it or not (and usually recommend a decent price, as well).
Checkouts also possilby available from Paul Ambrose at Special-Flight.com at Popham (don't know if he'll let you take his solo, though).
Take Rob's advice on how to do your first flight, as well. There's at least one pilot in the midlands who didn't and is regretting it.
Pitts2112