Downing Street has played down suggestions of a rift between David Cameron and Francois Hollande ahead of their first face-to-face meeting.

Downing Street said the talks are "not awkward" despite Mr Cameron's backing for Mr Hollande's opponent in the recent French presidential election.

The prime minister had earlier praised the newly elected Socialist president's deficit reduction plans.

He was speaking ahead of the G8 summit in the United States.