Hi Bucklash,
Brilliant answer, thanks. The html typo works exactly as described (ie not with a div, but with all else I've tested).
One proviso though, for anyone else using this method, you must have the field you are using as part of the Item view - in this case I don't what to display the hex color value, so I've put it in the hidden part of the template. Unless there's a better way to achieve this?
Since you obviously know a lot about this, can you clarify for me - is the html typo the only place I can use $cck? I've tried using it in the template config (class field), the field config, the field markup, all to no avail...
I'm just trying to keep it simple, and avoid using position overrides, as in this case, all I wanted to do was change one color.
Thanks for your input, much appreciated :)