We're back!Thanks for all your comments and advice for us and Charlie - Jan, I think my hubby might just go for the tin foil/bubble wrap idea - we have both so can see how it goes - will let you know the results!!!
Well, we're on Day 5 with Charlie - and are happy to say that he is settling in well - getting used to the fact that we don't like it when he jumps or nips. He still thinks things like getting a new collar fitted and getting his paws dried after a walk is a game - tries to grab the towel so you can't dry him and will turn his head so you can't adjust the collar....
However, he is spending more time on the bed that we bought him - it's a morning and evening time place to sleep now!
I took him to Pets at Home on Tuesday afternoon..... on reflection, I maybe should have left him in the car. He was ok, he loved meeting all the new people and LOVED all the smells!
He dragged me round a bit, but it was only because his nose seemed to take over and he wanted to sniff EVERYTHING!!!! I bought him a new ball, which I played with in the garden when we got home, but he got too excited and ending up having what we call a 'mad half hour' - which actually only lasted 2 mins, but involved him running round and round the garden in an excited trance. 
I called out his name and it seemed to snap him out of it. He did it on Wednesday again, this time it lasted longer and his name being called out didn't stop him. So I have had to stop playing with him in the back garden until he has calmed down more in general. 
Yesterday, though, was much better - we were out in the car, as I had to visit some supermarkets for my work. I take him for a 20 min walk before he gets in the car, then he gets into the car and sits down straight away. When I start the engine he lies down and then falls asleep after 5 mins of driving – it’s like having a baby in the back of the car! I left him in the car for 25 mins at the first shop, he was calm when I left the car (he watched me like a hawk) and when I returned, I just got into the car and started driving to the next shop – he just plopped back down on the back seat again.
After 90 mins in the car, I gave him a walk and we went home – he was so sleepy!
Here are some pictures from the last couple of days:
It’s a dog’s life!
Relaxing at my feet in the office
Man & dog out for a walk
Charlie’s strange way of taking a drink!!
)
I see he is still lying down to drink 
. I've had labs for over 25 years and (in my humble opinion and I know I'm no expert) what you've described above is just normal lab behaviour. My last lab, Khan, would still have his "mad half hour" at 11 years old and I loved it, you don't want him old before his time. George is now 22 months and we actively encourage him to have his mad half hours in the garden or in a safe field, it uses up even more energy and he calms down immediately if we say "enough",
