Never had a will before but recently divorced and want to make sure my kids get everything in the event of my early expiry! Do I need to pay a solicitor to do this or is there a cheaper method? Presumably I can set up some sort of trust until they are 18?

Nothing clever about wills except certain formalities (have to be witnessed, no witness can be a beneficiary etc)
Benefit of a solicitor is they will store it for you (in the hope of getting probate on your death) and they can a) ask you all the right questions and do it quick, b) change it for you quick if you need to.
When I say quick, I mean they will get on and do it rather than what most of us do and think about it until the day we die without actually getting on with it.
However, wills dont need special language, plain english with clear straightworward instructions is best.

I’d pay a lawyer to do it.

I am a lawyer – Iknow nothing about wills, trusts, probate etc – but even I would spend a small amount to know it had been done properly (and if it hasn’t, the lawyer’s PI cover will deal with that).

Before you make an appointment, go with a clear idea of what you want to do with everything.

And that’s very organised. I think I’m going to do the same now that I’m a parent.

I’d get a solicitor (fixed fee) to check it over for you. If there were no kids and no ex, it’s very straightforward, but as there are, better safe than sorry (if you can be sorry when you’re dead).
Mine’s set up so that everything goes to the kids when they reach 18, but that their legal guardian (probably the ex, but whoever it might be if she kicks the bucket too) can use some of the money for the kids benefit in the meantime, if it is approved by someone I’ve nominated in the will (in my case my sister). That way your ex could use some of the money to send the kids on some big expensive school trip for example, but not for fags/booze/designer labels.

Worth a lawyer, one who specialises in Wills.

Same position as you, plus new family – can be quite complicated working out the ifs/buts.

Very timely – November is Will Aid month.
We had ours done last year.
Will Aid