The Jones' were thrust into the media spotlight when it was alleged that Hartlepool man John Darwin – who returned after being presumed dead following an apparent kayak tragedy in 2002 – stole the identity of their brother, John, who died in 1950.
Now his seven siblings are campaigning to close what they see as a "loophole in the law," which they say allows anyone to obtain vital information which could lead to ID fraud.

They believe it is far to easy to get hold of birth and death certificates from council register offices, such as the one at Sunderland civic centre.

"I was told you just need to pick up a form and tick a few boxes," said Alfred, from Pallion.

"All you need is a full name, the dad's name, the mum's name and maiden name.

"I can't believe it's that simple."

The 50-year-old, who works for construction firm Laing O'Rouke, added: "I always thought ID fraud was about low-lifes rooting through people's bins.

"I didn't realise it was easily available over the counter, as if you're buying something from a supermarket.

"There has been all this trouble with the customs discs and the driving licence details going missing.

"But civil servants are handing out personal information over the counter for seven quid."

The family brought up in Sunderland's East End – brothers Alan, 56, Alfred, Leslie, 42, and sisters Freda Woods, 55, Brenda Ridley, 53, Linda Blackwell, 49, and Una Newton, 40 – are adamant the law needs to be changed.

The family are to lobby Sunderland MP Chris Mullin as part of their campaign.

They have already sent a letter to the boss of the General Register Office, the Government agency responsible for registering births, marriages and deaths.

Alfred said: "How can it be right for somebody to get a birth or death certificate without that person's family knowing about it?

"I think it should be blood relatives only that can get it."

His sister, Freda, from Grangetown, also called for a clampdown on information available via the internet, which has increased due to the popularity of genealogy research.

The siblings added that they were thankful to staff at Sunderland civic centre, who had apparently rejected a large number of requests for a copy of their brother John's birth certificate from the media.

Martin Lancaster, support services co-ordinator and registration services manager confirmed there was no legal restriction on who can obtain certificate copies. But he said anyone who uses them to misrepresent someone's identity is liable to prosecution."

* Mr Darwin, 57, and his wife Anne, 55, from Seaton Carew, have been remanded in custody accused of two counts of fraud.