Having lived with this problem for nearly two months, I decided it was time to call in a pro. His initial diagnosis was a faulty WB DT10 prog stat - the transmitter was losing contact with the receiver in the boiler. I suggested that this could be checked by moving the transmitter closer to the boiler, which he did. It made no difference! The engineer then decided to check the heat exchanger, so he took the inspection cover off. The hex was blocked almost solid. 10 minutes later, after wielding his special cleaning brush, the channels were clear of muck and cover replaced. Boiler lit - and stayed lit. Water temperature rose to nearly 70C without the boiler off. Room stat did its job. Everything working as it should. 😀
For future reference:
what causes the hex to get blocked?
what is the actual material causing the blocking?
does it mean that the hex will soon need replacement (or a new boiler)?