Thanks for reply David, small world indeed.
I'm glad you have embarked on PPL you lucky person. Halton will have changed quite a bit since my time there but remember going up in chipmunk from there. Happy days. Also older apprentices, I was 15 when I went in, government decided nobody could commit to the length required at that age so killed the app programme. I was thankful but others mourned it.
Anyway, good luck in your flying life.
Before you commit any cash you may like to search for 'flightgear', a free sim. I have it but not as accessible as others, if you can make it work for you, well done.
Any queries PM me.