George Clooney's wife enlisted to help Greece secure return of Elgin Marbles

Greece has enlisted some celebrity help as the country prepares to launch a bid to have the Elgin Marbles returned to their home country.

London-based human rights barrister Amal Alamuddin Clooney, the new wife of George Clooney, will advise the Greek government in their bid to take back the 2,500-year-old sculptures when she flies to Athens next week.

The relics, which were originally taken from the Parthenon in the early 19th century by the Earl of Elgin, currently reside at the British Museum and repeated requests to send the marbles home have been rejected.

Doughty Street Chambers, where Mrs Clooney works, confirmed she would be visiting Athens to discuss the issue.