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The House of Commons has announced the appointment of a new Serjeant at Arms - to take charge of security and ceremonial duties.

Kamal El-Hajji was selected by a panel of MPs headed by Speaker John Bercow.

Mr El-Hajii has been the head of Front of House and VIP Relations at the Ministry of Justice since 2010.

He replaces Lawrence Ward, who left the historic role of Serjeant At Arms, which dates back to 1415, in September after four years in the job.

The Serjeant at Arms is responsible for keeping order within the Commons chamber, committee rooms and public areas.

They are the only officials in Parliament allowed to carry weapons, which include a gilt, fine-blade sword.

Ceremonial duties include carrying the mace during the Speaker's procession, when the Speaker walks to the chamber before the start of each session. and during the State Opening of Parliament.

The Serjeant at Arms, or their deputy, is also present during every Commons sitting and have occasionally been required to escort unruly MPs from the chamber.

Mr El-Hajii was awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2014 New Year's Honours list.