Guys thanks for the response

The car had valve clearances done in August, its in now for a belt
change and has had some new spark plugs fitted.

There are no warning lights, and it seems like its mechanical.
Hopefully the belts and the plugs will sort it.

I suggested to the backstreet garage guy that first looked at it that
it was a timing issue and that it may have jumped a notch. he said not
and that he’d plug it in but then let me down,,

So.. its now in the Honda dealer, who offered a half price belt
change, so maybe I’ll be happy later when he tells me its all ok and
that the plugs, belts and timing adjustments have done the job..

This car is a total gem, ive driven it hard for 3 years, and I mean
hard!! and this is the first time its ever coughed and spluttered.

Thanks again guys, very much appreciated.