Congratulations!!

Good to see somone else taking to two wheels.

Re a more expensive helmet. I had a cheap one when I started out. Had no end of trouble with it. Got a Shoei in a sale and have never looked back. £300+ may seem a lot but after an hour with it on your head, you will appreciate the difference. Arai are ment to be very good. A few people I know swear by them, but they don't suit my head shape. Try before you buy.