Thats what I was thinking...

Upon Tanktalus advise (sorry its my first post) have moved stuff into the post and added some more info.

I was thinking about going the whole start_tag_handlers route, Ive been put off as they (as in the company I work for) don't deam the problem critical and Im not sure I have the time to play with it.

I kinda have a free day today so I'll give that a go in a small script.