Thanks for replies,
It transpires it was the 'release bearings' on the clutch that was gone and the noise was the broken bits?? (Not sure if that makes sense......)
Got it fixed and car is running like a new car...so happy.
Glad I got it sorted as apparently, according to Mechanic, if I had let it go much further it would have seized up and car would needed to be towed......not a happy thought over xmas.
Allthedoyles, I would suggest that you get yours checked as thats how mine started a noise in morn only and gradually lasting longer until last week when it got really bad.