I think your OK with small cases, i got away with a small wheeled case on a flight from Munich to Manchester, but you cannot take more than 100ml (i think) of individual fluids, you are best checking with the airport website for the latest info as it does change.
if you go to the website of the airport you fly from they give you exact size etc and wat you can take on board i looked on east midlands airport yest and i can take a bag 45x 56 x25cm
normal hand luggage is fine, ie hand bag, shoulder bag, carrier bag etc but you do have to have any liquids (max 100ml), moisturiser lip balms etc in a clear bag