The family of Oxfordshire weapons expert David Kelly made a last ditch effort to convince Lord Hutton that the Government deliberately made his name public to help in its battle with the BBC.

In a final submission, the family seized on former Downing Street media chief Alastair Campbell's diary as evidence of the Government's 'improper' intent. Despite the document compiled by the family's lawyers, which was published this week, Lord Hutton's report concluded there was no "underhand" or devious" strategy to name him.

The Conservatives had tried to make Prime Minister Tony Blair's involvement in the decisions that led to Dr Kelly's identification a key issue in the run-up to the report.

Dr Kelly's relatives did not make a direct link to the Premier. However, they seized on Mr Campbell's diary. The inquiry was told he had written: "The biggest thing needed was the source out."

The lawyers for Dr Kelly's family said that was the smoking gun.

"Alastair Campbell's diary reveals that it was his desire and the desire of others, including the Secretary of State for Defence, that the fact and identity of the source should be made public."

Given the "impropriety" of what happened it was unsurprising there was no other written evidence, the submission stated.

The diaries were among 10 separate sections of evidence highlighted.

Meanwhile, a friend of the Kelly family said Lord Hutton did a "great disservice" to the Oxfordshire scientist.

Journalist Julie Flint said the Ministry of Defence's failings led directly to the weapons expert's death.

Her accusations came as Dr Kelly's widow Janice was said to be considering a civil action against the MoD over her husband's suicide.

Staff at BBC Oxford have thanked Greg Dyke for his leadership of the BBC over the past four years and expressed sadness at his resignation.

Thirty-eight of the 40 staff at BBC Oxford, in Banbury Road, Summertown, signed a letter in support of Mr Dyke.