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)

F72 T12

http://ecom.mysylvania.com/sylvaniab2c/b2c/z_login.do;jsessionid=ID4001DB0.29677571281646453End

Edit:
Well I meant to post the query but it didn't post right. This one should give you a list of the different f72 lamps and their lengths; however, it is not a UK site so I'm not sure if it'll make a difference.
http://ecom.mysylvania.com/sylvaniab2c/catalog/query.do?query=*f72*

That'll be a six footer, we've probably got some lying around in the basement, if you're passing through Whitechapel you're welcome to a couple.

What do the spots look like? We may have some floating around the place