Thanks guys.

This is for a 'sunset' application/db that is being replaced by a slow migration of functionality rather than a big bang. As a consequence we cant change the front end and have limited budget for any changes to the old system, hence my problem.

Bit of a hack I know, but I have proposed the trigger solution and solved the issue I had with extending the original column size.

If anyone can think of another way please let me know.

Thanks again. 🙂