Shortening database results

[gmoody]

I have a page which lists search results, and the results are linked to a detail page for the individual listing. The description field is listed on both the results page and details page, however for long description I woul like to limit the amount af characters on the results page and have the full description listed on the details page. Can someone please help with this?

[amcgrath]

substr($details,0,$cnt);

where $cnt = the amount of characters to display.