Jeremy Bamber will have the appeal which argues keeping him behind bars is a breach of his human rights heard by the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights.

Judges made the decision today, and two other convicted killers will also have their appeals heard.

The move comes after Europe's human rights judges ruled in January that Britain's most dangerous and notorious criminals could be kept behind bars for the rest of their lives.

Bamber's solicitor, Simon McKay, said: "He's obviously delighted with the decision.

"It demonstrates that his case remains arguable and he looks forward to presenting his position at the Grand Chamber in due course."

"It is part of his long battle to challenge the Home Secretary of the day going beyond what the trial judge said would be the appropriate sentence he should receive.

"He's encouraged by it, but he's realistic and acknowledges that it's just another stepping point.

"The final analysis will depend on what the Grand Chamber says in the end."