i think you’re right. i’ll take it to the mechanic when i have time, working like a dog all this week…
aha! i noticed today whilst driving to work that the rattling only cuts in when the clutch is depressed, when i release it the noise ceases. kinda hard to tell for certain since i’m only listening from inside the car with the windows down, but it certainly seems this way.
also what i’m finding now is that the car seems a lot smoother and more responsive, if it weren’t for that damn rattle i wouldn’t be complaing, quite the contrary actually!
hope someone can shed some light on this development.
A throwout bearing perhaps?
finally got some time to take it to the mechanic. not good news. as i originally suspected it is the gears. the sound is coming from within the gearbox, and i would probably need a new one. one of the engine mounts have also gone. 
he said i could probably pick up a used gear box for around £125 from the scrap yard, and around £15 for an engine mount (used
). no idea how much labour will be, but expecting a lot sinse they seem like big jobs, anyone got any ideas?