I agree with Silversurfer. Hitec does not make a bad radio.

BUT! If you are going to buy more than 4 channels when first starting out, I would buy a computer radio. The extra cost of 6 channels when it's not computer, just isn't worth it in my book.

I would also make sure that whoever is going to teach you flys Mode I. Not sure about you folks across the pond, but probably 95% of folks here fly Mode II. The stick functions are different between the two, so be sure!
Dennis-