Well I got it to the local garage and up on ramps just to see if it was something simple and guess what!?! It was! :)
Whoever last did something to the engine or gearbox had not bolted the starter on correctly and it was hanging off and they had failed to bolt another brace that holds the gearbox on.
£25 and a few new bolts later - job done :)
Thanks to all for the help - i was in panic mode but feel better now.
Thanks to SWZ for the chat on the phone too - I will be booking the car in for some other jobs very soon :)