Otherwise use a couple of "G" cramps to break the bead in one spot them work round the tyre till it's free.

I bought some proper tyre levers and used fairy liquid etc but still couldn't do it. In the end I took it to a tyre shop and paid £8 to get it done which I thought was ok. I got the wheel back on easily and now it's all sorted. Thanks for all the help guys.

Next project: fitting an alarm I bought ages ago but daredn't try it haha

Got another puncture yesterday on the same wheel. Luckily the shop had an inner tube in stock. Even though it was a ball ache it wasn't as bad as last time because I knew what I was doing and had no trouble getting the wheel off and back on. 

nice one Grouchy

Well done Grouch, your getting there mate.

I wonder if they checked the inside of the tyre/rim for sharp objects before they fitted the new tube ??

All good experience grouchy so keep at it.