I really appreciate the input. I understand what you're saying Cofty and it sounds sensible too, my concern is that with very gradual weight loss I lose heart too easily, which defeats the object, so I think Black Sheep's suggestion might have been useful to help me there. I have found Fitness Pal and am downloading it to my Ipad, thank you Amelia, it will help me whichever way I go, I'm sure. I will also check out your recommend Unstop but I don't cope with caffeine even in coffee very well, so that might be tricky.
i have just spent an hour watching the Horizon programme in the link that Oldlight posted, and to be honest it's fascinating. It's based on 2 days a week on a limited (400 cal) fasting and 5 days normal eating, and seems to be very effective.
Loz x