Tony Blair has become the first leading British politician to meet the recently sworn-in President Barack Obama.

The US President described Mr Blair as an example of what "dedicated leadership can accomplish" at a faith-based event in the US capital.

Mr Blair was in Washington to deliver the keynote speech at the National Prayer Breakfast.

After the address, Mr Obama said: "I want to thank my good friend Tony Blair for coming today.

"He has been an example to so many people around the world of what dedicated leadership can accomplish."

In his keynote address, the former prime minister gave advice to the newly installed President.

"You don't need cheerleaders but partners, not spectators but supporters. The truest friends are those still around when the going gets toughest," he said.

Turning to faith, Mr Blair said religion was under attack from both sides. He said it was "corroded" by extremists and assailed by non-believers.

"The extreme believers and aggressive non-believers come together in an unholy alliance," said the former premier.

He told Mr Obama: "Should it ever be tested, I hope your faith can sustain you and your family. The public eye is not always the most congenial."

Last month, Gordon Brown became the first European leader to receive a phone call from the freshly inaugurated president. But the prime minister has yet to hold a face-to-face meeting with Mr Obama following his presidential swearing-in on January 20.

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