Do you have any horticultural suppliers near you, at the local one here you can buy sturdy 2x2s round stakes which would be ideal.

I have just notice homebase have these .

We do have a small local GC I shall phone them Julien many thanks.

I nearly lost it this winter in the strong gales.

B&Q do similar Kath, they also have what they call 'Dahlia stakes' in varying heights.

Fix it with a strap rather than twine, which can cut into the trunk.

Thankyou