Sorry for the belated response - I'm assuming you are in Britain - If so, I'd suggest you get a Skywatcher Skyliner 150P.
www.firstlightoptics.com...
It has a 6 inch aperture, which is more than enough to get you started with astronomy. It's on a dobsonian mount, which is dead-easy to use and
ensures that more funds are put into the optics which matters more at your price-range. Unless you plan on taking pictures, I would go with the above.
You'll be able to see the moon, mars, saturn and jupiter with it, along with many deep space objects.
I recently purchased the 8" version (200P), and it's amazing. Well built, so I can only assume that the 6" version is also great.
If you've any questions in particular, just drop me a line.