Hi Louise
You should consider getting the tri specific shoes like PJ said
The strap is single instead of 2/3 making it quicker and easier to fasten during a race, however slight downside is that they won't be quite as snug fitting as cycling specific shoes (3 straps = more adjustment)
Also the strap on a tri shoe opens the opposite direction to a road shoe, this means that when you progress to having your shoes ready to go on the bike the straps won't get caught up in the chain
Also tri shoes tend to have 1/2 holes in the sole so that the water from the swim runs out easier - great when belting down the road in a tri in July, not so good when feet are freezing in winter!! To be fair though you'll want some type of overshoes and two pairs of socks in winter whether you get road or tri shoes as both types will have lots of ventilation around the toes.
The look pedals are most common and you should follow PJ's advise on that, but also check out some of the different types on display at Sundays bike spin.
Remember that you will buy the shoes and pedals separately, and that the cleats will come with the pedals not with the shoes, make sure the shoes and cleats are compatible.
Finally, remember that you will fall over several times at least before you get used to unclipping at junctions /lights/ anywhere else you have to stop
don't be too embarrassed about it
Good luck and go for it
i have put off getting cycling shoes/proper pedals so im one of the runners on the bike gals not good i know, cycling would b least favourite behid running and swimming but i def need to do more, any advise on what pedals/shoes to buy would be appreciated, its mind boggling all the info out there 
, i want the easiest pedal to get in and out of!! should i go with tri or road shoe?? anyting i should avoid etc All advise welcome coz i def want to get on the road and join some group cycles and get the love for cycling 