Well whatever it is, its certainly not a stag beetle - we have those here, and they're 2 or 3 times the size of this (occasionally more), all black and much more rounded with very large pincers - and make a whirring clicking noise when they fly.

It looks like the larvae of something to me, but don't know what. it is definitely not an adult Stag Beetle or its larvae.

Thanx guys even though you dont know.Its always a wonder to me how these garden dwellers can be so small but perfectly formed !

It's very like a seven spot ladybird larvae, but it has rather a lot more orange, there's usually just 3 or 4 dots either side of the body.

There were some seven spot ladybirds on the same plant so you could be right although the ladybirds were smaller than this fellow. I also found a large harlequin on said plant but the little rascal flew away before I could snap him

The Ladybird larvae do get a smidge larger than the adults before they metamorphose. I guess that the energy to transform has to come from somewhere!

I think it's a ladybird larva.

Correction - it's a harlequin larva, H. axyridis.
http://www.harlequin-survey.org/recognition_and_distinction.htm

Ah, that must be why its got the extra orange on it then.

Now that makes a lot of sense Beattie as I said I found a harlequin on the same plant. I hope you are right because Harlequins are lovely and I havent had them before or not when I,ve been looking.

Aren't they supposed to be invaders who eat our own ladybirds?

You're correct Bamboo - they're supposed to be a threat to our native ladybirds as they are more efficient predators and are expected to eat all the available aphids first before old "Seven Spot" and his brothers get their little gnashers into them. More info -
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/3324393/Asian-harlequin-ladybird-now-dominant-species.html

Oh flippin eck I didnt know they were invaders. probably why they are so pretty so we dont squash 'em. Will harden my heart and do the right thing if necessary !