Good stuff, the reason i ask is because the nikon D40/D40x/D60 all lack an internal focus motor drive which means any Nikon lens that is not AF-S will not auto focus, manual only. This will not be a problem with pro spec lenses (around £1000 and upwards) and some of the cheaper ones but great lenses like the 50mm f1.8 prime would not. Crazy really as it's a great lens and it's under £100! It would probably be the second or third lens you would buy.
With Canon you will not have this problem with the lenses, but personally i feel the build quality is better on the entry level Nikons. I'd suggest getting yourself into a jessops and having a feel & play with a Nikon and a Canon, see which you like the feel of etc.

For you i'd consider looking at the Nikon D50/D70/D80 or Canon 1000D/400D/450D. Any of these will give you room to grow into it and features you may look to wanting as you learn and progress.

I'll finish by saying that although you'll get nice pictures fro mthe kit lenses, the difference to a pro spec lens is vast. Good quality glass on a lower spec body will still produce better results than cheap lenses on a good body.

Hope thats helped a bit.

Matt.