That's great thanks - they've just told me that I must have over-tightened it but I pointed out that I am a 5'4 32 year old woman not Geoff Capes so they are coming to sort it.
Thanks for your help :)
I turned the mains water (outside, under metal flap) off yesterday and now I can't get it to turn back on. It twists but just clicks, like a safety catch on a bottle of bleach. It's a new style plastic valve so I don't want to use WD40 on it. Any ideas or is it expensive plumber time? Thanks Sarah