Son of a b****!
Gutted for ye mate.
Just come on this thread to congratulate ye but so sorry to have to commiserate you instead.
Just bought a 53 reg 172 myself yesterday. Even at 29 with 6 yrs ncb it's costing me £750 a year.
Don't let it spoil yer dreams, you'll get there in the end. Took me ages to get in the position I am now.
(by the way, have ye tried elephant and putting a female second driver on? often knocks 10-15% off quote, why not up yer excess and even lower the mileage if ye can)