Airsmiles, no I don't have the book so any info you can offer from it would be appreciated. Perhaps I might be able to trackdown a copy myself.
Capt. Airclues, sadly I haven't heard of Mr. Paine but I might make an effort to see if he is still about. I am sure that a ex-Derby Airways pilot could answer the few questions I have in about two sentences, which is what makes the apparent lack of good leads so frustrating.
cheers
FlatCap