Thanks ladies.
So I have had a look around.

I found one. It is a front loader, well known brand, 8.5kgs has a 15 minute rapid cycle, 6th sense intelligence , Extra wash features - Prewash, Eco, Easy Ironing, Intensive rinse and Favourites, Variable temperature selection are some of the features.
Good enerygy and water efficiency ratings.
Sounds good to me but the price has me wondering. It seems to be a fair bit cheaper then most and when I read descriptions I can't really see any major differences.

Might have to try and hold out till Wednesday when the girls are at school and go looking.