Thanks again kenjo, for your invaluable input. I think you may be closer to the mark with your latest diagnosis - something in there is travelling fast, and drum speed wouldn't fit the bill.
I don't believe this is juddering, and I'm thinking that the drum is simply amplifying the noise of a quieter source and logically, as you say, it is more likely something to do with the motor. Coupled with this is the fact that it's been getting steadily worse, which to me could indicate wear rather than breakage. The problem with that is if it is the motor it won't be worth repairing as I'm being quoted about £200 for a new one.
I'm going to get an engineer out to take a look. If it's not viably repairable they'll take their call-out charge off the price of a new one, which they say they'll price match, so it seems the sensible way to proceed.
May I thank you once again for the trouble you've taken in trying to sort out my problem. I'll be sure to let you know if I find out what the problem is, so as not to leave you wondering!
Dennis
January 2013