When it comes to bmx I have no idea !!
whats hot and whats not !!
He will be using it mainly street and a bit of skate park,, oh and we are having a bmx dirt track built in my area at the moment so a bike to cover all bases would be good.
budget about £200.

anyone have any recommendation

I don't know which models specifically, but have a look at We The People, Fit and United.

thanks for the reply I will check them out

Give Luke @ Triton Cycles a buzz: http://www.tritoncycles.co.uk
Always been very helpful when I have wanted to buy bikes.

speak to proper BMX shops, but IME try a "race" BMX rather than the conventional "freestyle" type. Not as strong but much much lighter. at 9, strength is less of an issue, but weight will really hold him back. I foundfrom riding an old burner, then going onto a "propper BMX" a could barely hop it and all my tricks became too hard.

How tall is the youngster? Could be worth looking into an 18" wheel bike just now…

He is 4'6" tall
how much difference is there between 18" and 20"

height ?
weight ?

Go for a 20" try the guys at Groove, they know their stuff.

I always thought that kids riding BMX's designed for adults a bit stupid.

I agree with the 18" wheel idea unless he's related to that russian boxer.

http://www.alansbmx.com/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=8606&osCsid=e5ff268dea2048faa80181bb762f8ae3

http://www.alansbmx.com/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=7417&osCsid=e5ff268dea2048faa80181bb762f8ae3

http://www.alansbmx.com/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=8558&osCsid=e5ff268dea2048faa80181bb762f8ae3

At that height go for 18" wheels. Much easier to handle for him, much easier to do tricks, easier to throw around under him and he'll love it. Much much much better if you take him to an indoor or outdoor ramp park etc.

If it's just for kicking about with his mates then get a 20 as that's what they'll all have.

My lad's 7 and races a 20" which he can jump and wheelie easy enough, I wouldn't just buy one online, get him to a shop, they'll give you some advice. Then it's up to you if you buy from them or get one online.