Flame-haired couple Kevin and Barbara Chapman and each of their children sport fine heads of copper coloured hair.

But their crowning glory has led to a bizarre hate campaign that has seen them forced to flee across their home city of Newcastle.

They have been forced to move house three times but at each new place they have had their windows smashed, offensive graffiti sprayed on their property, and the children have been physically attacked.

The kids endure daily taunts from yobs and only this week the slogan "ginger is gay" was daubed across the wall of their home.

"They've been punched and kicked and thrown over a hedge. Every time they go out these gangs have got to them.

"The abuse we have to endure is just disgusting. I mean, having ginger hair, you expect people to have a bit of fun, but this is just unbelievable."