mortgage with poor credit score

HI,

I am after some advice on getting a mortgage as a first time buyer.

I have been in a debt management plan which was set up over 6 years ago. I paid this off in October last year. I am now completely debt free now.

My boyfriend and I will be buying a house together and he has a £40,000 deposit.

Last year when I was still in the plan I spoke to a debt specialist mortgage advisor.

Would a standard mortgage advisor be able to offer the same mortgages in my current situation or would I still need to see a specialist?

Also my colleagues in work have used HSBC recently, I'm concerned that if I apply through them I will get rejected and this will affect my already poor credit rating.

Any advice would be greatfully recieved.

I am on £34K and my OH is on £18K (he also gets bonus and overtime but this is his completely basic pay!!)