Cheers m8 - did just that.
I've got to say that Sony are by far the best company I can recall ever dealing with!
Phoned them about 4:30 yesterday afternoon and spoke to a very pleasant lady who asked me to try a couple of things to see if it was the memory card, TV lead or console at fault.
Although I couldn't find my original receipt I had registered the PS2 when we bought it, and within a couple of clicks she had confirmed that I was covered by the warranty.
Off I went and tried what she had asked - it turned out to be the console itself, so phoned them back at 6:30pm - spoke to another pleasant lady who advised that I could swap it for a remanufactured console of the same model, colour and age (fully rebuilt and tested as if new) or send it off for repair (which unfortunately would take 4/5 weeks).
I chose the former option and at 8:45 this morning a courier was at the door with my replacement! They even sent brand new power and video leads and a brand new controller to swap with my originals.
The replacement comes with a three month warranty - if there are any problems whatseover I merely have to give them a bell and they'll replace without question.
Now that's what I call service.
Wonder if they'll give ntl a few tips if I ask them nicely!!
BTW lufcfan - I commend you on your excellent choice in footie teams!