Couple's escape as quake hit cathedral

A couple from the Shropshire border cheated death in the devastating New Zealand earthquake by taking refuge beneath a table as Christchurch Cathedral came crashing down around them.

The details emerged as hopes faded of finding more survivors today in the quake-shattered city, where officials said the death toll had risen to 98 with fears for more than 200 missing.

New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key said dozens of foreigners had been caught up in the devastation, adding: "We are very fearful the death toll could be much greater than any of us ever feared."

Peter and Janet Morgan, from Audlem, near Market Drayton, were inside the Christchurch Cathedral's gift shop when the 6.3 magnitude tremor struck on Tuesday.

The gift shop is believed to have survived the violent shaking better than the cathedral because it had a steel frame. Mr and Mrs Morgan are safe and well.

Their son Ben said: "They had just been to a Holy Communion service in the cathedral and were in the gift shop when the earthquake struck.

"Fortunately the gift shop is a relatively new, steel- framed building so despite being knocked from their feet by the force of the tremors they are otherwise physically unharmed.

"They sheltered under a table and then exited into the clouds of dust and debris in the square after the initial shocks finished."

The Morgans later found shelter with neighbours of a friend in the suburbs, he added.

"In their own words what they had planned as a once in a lifetime holiday has now become an experience they are never going to forget," he said.

Hellie Hadfield, 22, from Ludlow, who now lives in the city with boyfriend Mike Humphries, has been left without power or water.

Her father Dick, who still lives in Ludlow, said: "They have got no power, no gas, no water and no phone.

"The chimney of their house came down and the chimney from their neighbour's house came down and smashed on their driveway.

"It's a massive relief that she is safe and well."

Colin Foot, a past president of the Rotary Club of Shrewsbury, said he was relieved his son Peter and daughter-in-law Stephanie, who live near Christchurch, had survived the quake.

He said Stephanie worked for an international accountancy firm in the centre of the city and was in her office when the quake hit.

Rescue efforts today were focusing on the collapsed Canterbury Television building where dozens were feared trapped.

It is thought one Briton has died in the quake.

Analysts say the cost of the clear-up could be as much as £7.4 billion.

By Tom Johannsen