AN Oxford archaeologist has helped return ancient artefacts to Jordan.

Oxford University said three finely-carved stones from an ancient temple had been returned thanks to Dr Judith McKenzie, who has written two books on the site.

The pieces were part of Khirbet et-Tannur, a temple complex north of Petra.

After an art dealer in Spain contacted her, she identified the items as pieces of the temple’s altar platform and then collaborated with the dealer and Jordanian and Spanish authorities for the pieces’ safe return.