Battery operated thermostat with dry contact

You can use interim 24VAC relay with any Thermostat you may like.

Hi Chaps,
There was a device that does exactly what you want: the Secure SRT323.
Secure is a British company, part of the Horstman Group.
Beware of the Secure321 - it doesn't have the volt-free contacts.

I haven't used it, I only know about it.