Hello all
In sending my documents
I know that I only need to send a copy of my passport

Do I have to send the original copy of my birth certificate as well?

The reason I'm asking this, In heard that they do not send your originals back to you (in other words, they keep them) and is because I still need my birth certificate here with me for legal purpose and the birth certificates are not that cheap these day and it is a lot of hassle when trying to get another one , especially as I was born in another country outside the UK
Any suggestions or alternative's to this problem of mind would be gladly appreciate?

Thank you
Regards
LG