Sounds very much like a Goldfinch. They are lovely little things. I notice that most of the illustrations in books and websites seem to make them much more colourful than they actually are. Also, If you are looking into the light it is difficult to see the detail. If you put NIGER seeds out they will come into your garden regularly. Hope I'm right?

I get goldfinches, the adults have what I would call a red mask acoss the eyes, the babies don't have this, they feed on my thistle and teasle seeds

just been thinking there is redpoll which is like a sparrow with red on face & chest or chaffinch or bullfinch which are bigger

You need some good binoculars, Lemondog! Birds can be quite difficult to identify and quite often, the shape and type of beak is a big factor for ID purposes, and this you won't see without field glasses. The goldfinch sounds most likely, though its not as small as a tit - redpoll is a summer visitor, but might be here already, not sure. Otherwise, might be a male linnet.

Have a look at the goldfinch photo's on pages 1+2 on my photo's.At least you may be able to discount it if it isn't a goldfinch.

Thanks for your help folks,I will get some binoculars and a new camera this year but it will have to wait until i am flush, hopefully in a couple of months.

I have just found the answer you were right it is a goldfinch they are winderful very exotic for my garden.

we somtimes see the babies-- no red bandanna-- but so cute and 'chirrup ' constantly :o)