A state visit by Donald Trump to the UK next year is "under consideration".

Downing Street confirmed that the president-elect could make his way to Britain for his first official visit in 2017.

No details of the proposed itinerary have been revealed, but an event of this kind normally involves a ceremonial welcome and a banquet hosted by the Queen in the honour of the visitor.

A guest of this kind if often invited to stay as Her Majesty's guest at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle.

Reports suggested Trump was being lined up for an invitation to meet the Queen next year as ministers consider how to cement the "special relationship" and strike a free trade deal with the United States.

Asked about the reports, Mrs May's official spokeswoman said: "An invitation for a state visit is one of the things that is under consideration following the election of the new US President",

The spokeswoman said that around two state visits are normally arranged each year, and that Trump is under consideration as a potential guest during 2017.