The government is chartering planes to fly from Tokyo to Hong Kong to help Britons who want to leave Japan.

The government is chartering planes to fly from Tokyo to Hong Kong to help Britons who want to leave Japan.

The Foreign Office said there would be no charge for Britons "directly affected" by the tsunami. A charge of £600 will otherwise apply.

A statement said: "We continue to advise against all non essential travel to Tokyo and north eastern Japan.

"British nationals currently in Tokyo and to the north of Tokyo should consider leaving the area."