David Cameron has held talks with Vladimir Putin at 10 Downing Street with Syria topping the agenda.

The Prime Minister and the Russian president agreed to continue discussions on the issue, which has already caused splits in the UN Security Council.

Russia along with China have repeatedly vetoed resolutions aimed at increasing pressure on Syria's President Assad.

Speaking after the talks, Mr Cameron admitted there were differences in the approach to the crisis in Syria, but added: "We both want to see an end to that conflict and a stable Syria. We will continue to discuss with our foreign ministers how we can take this forward."

It was Mr Putin's first visit to Britain in eight years.

Contacts between the two countries were broken off over allegations that Russia was involved in the murder of dissident Alexander Litvinenko in London in 2006.

Mr Putin also lavished praise on the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics, which he described as "unforgettable", saying Danny Boyle's show was "a wonderful feast presented by you to mankind".

Immediately after the talks, the two leaders set off for the ExCeL Arena to watch the final stages of the Olympic judo competition.