Hi Nic,
You could consider a Nikon D70, or even a D80.
Shop around and you may get a d80 at a bargain price.
like here maybe...
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=330631
or look at MPB photographic website, they have an excellent reputation and keen prices.
Both cameras are excellent and you have enough fuctions to grow into and expand /experiment.
Best of all you can later trade / sell either for not a lot of depreciation if you are in a position to upgrade.
The kit 18-55g lens is a goodun and not heavy on the wallet @ around £60-£75 secondhand.
With these nikons you can use older af-d film lenses too and you can get some bargain examples by shopping around.
Canons have their strengths too, I suppose its just a matter of personal preference but i find that having 2 seperate control dials at the top of the camera and seperate top lcd display much less confusing and the d80 viewfinder is second to none for the price.
It is a wonderful camera for the cash.
No doubt canon/pentax etc fans have their own likes/dislikes about their models.
It is important to remember that you will be buying an slr but also buying into a camera system.
Do your research.
Take a physical look at a few on your shortlist if you have a used store near you like LCE.
Used camera stores are usually very obliging.
Good Luck