Can anyone tell me what tyres are needed for a Mini Copper Cab (3 years old) and perhaps recommend some half decent but not daft priced ones ?

Round ones with similar markings on the side to the ones that are on there at the moment.  Have a look on www.blackcircles.co.uk

I used etyres.co.uk last time and they were really good. blackcircles is a wee bit cheaper iirc.

most independant tyre places around your house will be able to beat online prices. i got my federals for £49 from my local after being quoted £60 by black circles, got laser tracking thrown in for free too.

not as good as the contis that i got last time, but £70ea cheaper i dont care

eTyres have £10 off 2 or more tyres with the code 1122 which might help if you go with them.