Thanks to tech for the links. I'm based in the uk and have been looking for a local supplier of the cells. Will search for the brands sold by the retailers you mentioned.
The drill isn't the best quality one, so will probably go for the mid-range ones.

@dodgy, cheers for the tips, but I'm not sure I've got the patience to try to resurrect these babies YNWA

 

Search for Sub C cells, try Maplins...

 

Search for Sub C cells, try Maplins...

Maplin have not served me well in the past - I'd sooner take my chances on eBay.I

 

Maplin have not served me well in the past - I'd sooner take my chances on eBay.I

I tried ebay batteries a number of times. Even supposed quality name brand ones and they were either junk or units that were oddball surplus with prices that were not enough of a saving for a mystery cell set to be worth in the long run.

A few years ago I picked up some nice high capacity name brand sub C cells for cheap. Very durable and good quality cells but their C rating was crap for cordless tool useage. Any heavy loads made them heat up bad. Bad enough to burn the plastic sleeving right off them and start smoking in one battery pack I used them in.

All other ebay cells I have ever gotten were either grossly overrated junk or odd special application stuff being sold under a false claim of application compatibility. I say avoid ebay stuff in general now.