1997 Peugeot 406 Timing belt.

Engine Mechanical problem
1997 Peugeot 406 Two Wheel Drive Manual 133000 miles

Engine: 1.8 (16v - I think!)

Hope some kind person can help! Recently had extremely cold weather here and when starting my 406 heard a strange 'rattling' sound on turning engine over. Car did start but from that point always produced this rattling sound when at lowish revs. The sound came from within engine btw. After a few days of this I left it at local garage to investigate the sound.

Next morning they called to say that timing belt had snapped when they had started car and that it was not worth replacing as damage to valves was almost certain. TBH I'm not certain how much faith I have in this garage. The timing belt had been replaced at 106k btw (by another garage who had got EVERYTHING wrong!)

Anyway, frankly money is frighteningly tight and I am wondering how best to proceed.

What really ARE the chances of the valves being damaged as a result of car being started and belt immediately snapping?

And I'm wondering if the 'rattle' was likely to be indicative of timing belt trouble?

Thoughts anyone!