ok, Ive replaced the hose - cheers all for the heads up regarding the ebay silicone one!
(Ive also replaced the fuel filter due to a random leak!)
I still have the chirping noise (more of a fplfplfpflll - according to my wife) on gear change (and a slight whistle when accelerating), I am waiting on some second hand bits to arrive (n75 and recirc valve) - see if they make any difference.
Ger