MTBing since early 90s and now ride a 19" Orange Crush as wanted to buy British. Got it through cycle scheme too so only paid about £500 for it.
Taz: Cube's are pretty good but make sure you spend as much as you can on the one with the best groupset. Makes all the difference. Steel or aluminium frame bikes are generally pretty good these days and if you can get one with decent front suspension forks then for the money you want to spend it's a hardtail all the way. Check out Sunsetmtb for some good deals too.