As the 808 is showing no sign of appearing on a contract in UK and I cannot justify the best part of �500 from the family budget for a great camera phone I have resolved to refresh the N8 and make it last as many years as possible.
First, I bought a new cover the CC 1005 recommended by Steve which looks great and has all the right cutouts including the video mic.
Secondly I ordered a replacement battery and relevant size screwdriver, on Steve's recommendation again, and replaced my 19 months old battery with a new one.
N8 looks great and is as good as new! When my 24 month contract comes to an end I will switch to SIM only and wait until a true successor emerges, perhaps on Windows Phone one day?.
PS I have already installed a CFW of Belle FP1 which is great!