The tube in our loft has gone and I'm trying to find one to replace it. I think it is a T12 size (38mm diameter). I can't seem to find one the right length though.

None of the DIY stores around here seem to do anything longer that 5'. I have looked online and found 5', 6', 8' and 12' ones.

The problem is that this tube is an odd length, it is 5' 9'' long. Is this in fact a 6' tube, do they count the fitting as part of the length or something silly ? (it is possible that it is an odd length, the guy who owned the house before us was a shopfitter, so we have in-ceiling spotlights that I can't seem to buy replacement fittings for anywhere)

If not, where can I get odd length tubes from ? (in the UK)