The president of the Liberal Jewish movement has hailed the role of Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks as a spokesman for Judaism.

Lucian Hudson said the chief rabbi "was not just a powerful voice for Judaism in Britain, but for faith everywhere".

He praised Lord Sacks's "special gift" for "combining a profound understanding of our tradition with an ability to relate it to modern challenges, so enhancing the standing of the Jewish community now and for years to come".

Mr Hudson's remarks suggest that a warmer relationship exists between the Liberal movement and the Chief Rabbinate than has been the case in the past.

In 1989, a few months before Lord Sacks took over the post of chief rabbi, the Liberals issued a pointed statement to dissociate themselves from the office.

Mr Hudson said he planned to attend the installation of Lord Sack's successor, Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, in September.