well between breathing and teeth we finally managed to start properly yesterday. Yesterday he whined for about 5 mins and then went to sleep (and after his 10pm bottle went back down until 5.20). Today he screamed when I left the room, then whined and then went to sleep all before 5 mins was up. Its not been anywhere near as bad as I expected. I am glad we didn't do it until he was one though (and nothing against any of you who did it before - that's just my personal feelings).
Thanks to those of you that advised me on it