Prime Minister David Cameron has welcomed Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis as Britain's new chief rabbi.

Rabbi Mirvis will be installed at St John's Wood Synagogue this afternoon in the presence of Prince Charles and hundreds of dignitaries.

Mr Cameron posted a message on Twitter thanking outgoing chief rabbi Lord Sacks for his contribution.

On the Number Ten account on the social media site, Mr Cameron wrote: "A warm welcome to new @chiefrabbi Mirvis & my thanks to Lord Sacks for special contribution he made to our whole country as #ChiefRabbi."

More than 1,400 people will watch as Rabbi Mirvis takes office and Rabbi Sacks retires after 22 years in the role.

A former chief rabbi of Ireland, Rabbi Mirvis will become the 11th man to hold the position of Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth since 1704.