US President Barack Obama is to have lunch at the White House with defeated Republican election rival Mitt Romney.

The face-to-face will be their first meeting since Obama overcame Romney in the 6 November election.

On election night Mr Obama pledged to meet the former Massachusetts governor for talks on how to "move this country forward.

They are now to meet in the private dining room at the White House, and the press will not be permitted to cover the lunch.