French strikes bite as petrol pumps begin to run dry

Widespread protests against pension reforms in France, which are now in their sixth day, are beginning to bite.

Petrol pumps are running dry and the airports in Paris are cancelling flights.

One politician has said it is now a trial of strength between the government of Nicolas Sarkozy and the unions.

The BBC's Christian Fraser said 70 per cent of the country were still behind the strikes.