Thanks so much for all your answers.
Ok, I'll look into those modules. Although the learning curve might be too much for me at this late stage.
Just as side comments, yes, regex snaps very easily, but the html is exceedingly horrible. It's a series of prettified database entries rendered into html by one of those automated tools. Speaking plainly it's as close to a pool of vomit as html can ever get.
Thanks god, I only have to do it once in a while!