THREE members of the same family from Derbv can now be seen by people across the world after being captured on camera by new internet service Google Street View.

Derby is one of 25 UK cities to be photographed by the internet giant, allowing users to take a "virtual stroll" along its streets.

After its launch last Friday, Derby dad Tom Fulep decided to have a go and was amazed to spot, not just one of his five sons, but three, featured in the pictures, even though their faces had been blurred.

His 18-year-old son, Jozef, can be seen in Montrose Close, Sinfin, while older son Yanto and stepson Ashley New, both 21, can be seen outside the factory where they work, in Goodsmoor Road, Sinfin. Joseph was crossing the street while Yanto and Ashley were enjoying a tea break with work colleagues.

Mr Fulep, of Carron Close, Sinfin, could not believe it when he realised that three members of his family were on the site – something even Google described as very unusual.

The 48-year-old said: "I'd heard a lot about the new service and Jozef said he remembered actually seeing one of the cameras while it was out taking photos so I thought I'd take a look.

"I recognised Jozef straight away but just spotted the other two by chance.

"I think it's pretty unusual to have three lads from the same family on Street View. What are the chances of all three being there when the camera went past?"

The decision to make such pictures available on the internet sparked controversy across the globe with some calling it an invasion of privacy.

But Google says security measures have been taken such as blurring the faces of people and car registration plates.

Mr Fulep said his boys did not seem to be phased by their surprise appearance online.

He said: "I know there are some people who aren't keen but I think it's a great idea. It's the latest technology and things are always going to progress and move on. I think it's amazing really"

A Google spokeswoman said: "I'm not aware of that happening anywhere else. We've had some really interesting feedback and some great stories from people who have used Street Map to have a look around the street they grew up in."

The photos were taken across the UK since last summer. Google is believed to have visited Derby in July. Not all streets have been photographed yet but Google cars are continuing to capture streets to cover more cities.

At the bottom of each photograph is a link which users can follow to "report a concern". People who do not want to be featured in images or want their home to be taken off the photographic database can register their objections by filling in an online form.