British people have been reported missing following the earthquake that struck China killing at least 10,000 people, the Foreign Office has said.

A spokesman confirmed that it is believed British nationals were "possibly" in the area when the earthquake struck on Monday afternoon.

"We have been told through our embassy that there are British nationals possibly in the area. The embassy is now trying to contact people that have been reported missing," he said.

Catholics in the majority-Muslim Turkey are preparing to celebrate the 2,000th anniversary of the birth of Saint Paul. Pope Benedict XVI has declared 2008 to be the year of St Paul and Catholics in Turkey are asking the government if they can use St Paul church in Tarsus, the famous missionary's birthplace, as part of the celebrations. Bishop Luigi Padovese, the Catholic Church's apostolic vicar of Anatolia, told E*****enical News International that the anniversary would attract a large number of pilgrims. Senior officials are formally considering the request to use St Paul’s church, which is now a state-owned museum. "This anniversary is certain to attract large numbers of pilgrims, who will obviously need a church where they can feel at home and pray," said Bishop Padovese. "A government commission is now formally considering our request. But senior officials have agreed we should be able to worship here.