Thanks chaps. All valid replies, much appreciated.
I did ask the CAA for an extension for 4 weeks and they declined saying they couldn't "legally" issue an extension. I pointed out that they were in breach of their own rules and laws by letting me take the skills test 7 days outside the exam validity anyway?
I also asked them to supply me with the EASAreference that confirms the pre-requisite that an application for extension needs to becompleted within the exam validity period and that they legally can't issue a retrospective extension. And also the CAA's acceptable means of compliance for any EASAruling appertaining to that law/rule.
Predictably the CAA haven't had the curtsey to respond.
Thanks again