Hey all just a quick P.S. Had all the afore mentioned repairs completed and yes the mechanic agrees not hugely common for CV's but wheel bearings definately. However given that i've now seen what's involved in replacing the wheel bearing pack next, time i'll be doing the job myself and i would suggest anyone with a little mechanical nous have a go too as it's really not that complicated.
happy trails all.
P.S. kept the old CV shaft and will be pulling it apart to see how it works , ayone interested in photo'slet me know.
Cheers