Sovereign UT20798 strimmer - replace petrol feed pipe?

I bought this machine some years ago and have to admit that it has worked well despite some heavy use. However the petrol feed pipe from the tank to the machine is now perished at the point where it fits onto a nipple at the machine end and is leaking fuel. It appears that this pipe is actually an integral part of the tank itself and cannot be replaced as a separate item. Any ideas about a simple remedy before I take it to a machinery repair outfit?

Colin
April 2012