Replacing thermostat

99 Td5 defender 110
There has been a slight leak from top of the thermostat for a while - topping up every couple of weeks depending on use. I had a look and jiggled some pipes and thought you know what I'm going to get my local garage to do this one!
Local garage diagnosed new thermostat and quoted over £350 so with a renewed sense of confidence I am going to tackle it myself.

Ive read a couple of posts but nothing that hits the mark so was wondering if there are any decent how to videos or good simple advice - Ive picked up on best idea is to remove the fan & get some proper hose clip pliers?
Any replies gratefully received.

The extended wire type hose clip pliers are all a bit crap, but they do the job.

A thermostat is an easy job mate. £350? Pullin the wool mate. I have a 300 tdi so don’t know much bout td5 but it can’t be too different to change out. Identify where it is and drain off the coolant a bit then undo housing to access the thermostat. Replace and put back in after cleaning faces of housing. Top up your antifreeze, check what type you need first, check your hoses. Pretty easy job. Haynes manual for the motor with TD5 is a great help. Some simple tools is a job done. If you were up my way I’d do for a coffee and four chocolate digestives. Do it yourself and build up the confidence in your abilities. Sorted.