Gap now set to .6 and is the same.
Just a little thought, when the engine is warm the probably seems to be considerably worse. The AA checked the engine compression and also checked the water for gases etc with their tool!!! He reckoned there was no evidence of h/g or head failure! - Not that that means/says much.
The search for the cause continues. Thanks for the suggestions and help so ppl, please don't stop yet tho. lol
G