Updated: A MAN from North Yorkshire has been killed in the New Zealand earthquake.

Greg Tobin, a 25-year-old chef, was in Christchurch working when the disaster struck. He had been travelling with friends, and has been confirmed by the Foreign Office as one of two Britons killed in the disaster.

His brother Alex is believed to have flown to New Zealand after the family were unable to get in touch with him.

After learning of his death, Greg’s mother Caroline and his younger brother are also understood to have travelled to Christchurch, as the city continues to recover from Tuesday’s earthquake.

The official death toll was last night approaching 100, but there are fears up to 120 people are buried beneath one of the buildings hardest hit and 238 are still believed to be missing.

Greg attended Tadcaster Grammar School until 2001 and later worked at Hazlewood Castle.

As well as working as a chef he was well known as a hip-hop MC in Leeds.

Harry Singh, an organiser of the Lyrically Justified nights in Leeds, where Greg played under the name Instinct, said: “Greg used to come down to our night and used to perform. He was very talented. He was like a family member.

“He was one of the kindest guys I have ever met. He was a joker and he was very popular.”

Geoff Mitchell, head teacher at Tadcaster Grammar School, said: “I have spoken to Greg’s family and offered them my support.

“His mum, Caroline, has gone out to New Zealand and my thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time.

“Although I didn’t teach Greg personally, I knew of him and he was a full-of-life youngster who enjoyed every minute of the day.

“He was a very popular lad and had a significant circle of good friends at the school.”

Friend Rosemary Devaney said: “Greg was a grand lad. It’s a real tragedy. He was supposed to go to America with friends but funds stopped him going.”

In the days before he died, Greg left poignant messages on his page on the Facebook website.

On Monday, he wrote: “Finally made it to the beach today, so nice to swim in the sea again!”

Greg was on a round-the-world trip and had already visited Thailand and Australia with two friends, before he went on to New Zealand last month.

He was believed to be working at the Joe’s Garage café in Christchurch at the time of his death.

On January 6, he left references online to the fact that all hostels in Christchurch were closed, following a previous quake.

He left another message 13 days later as more earthquakes struck the region, writing: “Just felt the scariest earthquake of my life so far, compared with the little ones I’ve felt in the UK!”

A dedicated hotline – 020 7008 8765 – has been set up for concerned friends and relatives in the UK.

British nationals in New Zealand should phone 049 242 898 for advice and assistance.

The Foreign Office is working with local authorities, police and hospitals to get more information about the large number of British people living in the area.