How do I construct a varlena?

Can you tell me, please, how to construct a varlena (to be returned by
a function).

I see it is declared as an int and a 1-byte array; I don't know how to
assign a longer string in place of that 1-byte array; the compiler
complains about incompatible types, whatever I do.

Thank you.

--
Oliver Elphick Oliver(dot)Elphick(at)lfix(dot)co(dot)uk
Isle of Wight http://www.lfix.co.uk/oliver
PGP key from public servers; key ID 32B8FAA1
========================================
"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also;
knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And
patience, experience; and experience, hope."
Romans 5:3,4