Tributes for killed X Factor boy

Grant Booker had auditioned as part of an act called Trilogy

Friends of a 17-year-old X Factor contestant killed when he was hit by a taxi have described him as the "funniest kid" they knew.

Grant Booker of Tyseley, Birmingham, died following the crash outside The Mailbox on Suffolk Street Queensway early on Sunday.

He had appeared in the early stages of the show as an act called Trilogy alongside friend David Dimmick.

Mr Dimmick paid tribute on Facebook to one of his "best mates".

The two friends had explained to judges Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh that the third member of Trilogy had been on holiday in Spain.

Their act failed to make it through the audition stages.

'Nicest people'

On a tribute group set up on the social networking site, Mr Dimmick said Grant "was one of the best mates he had ever had" and the "funniest kid" he had ever known.

Another friend Nathan Williams wrote: "R.I.P. Grant, you were one of the nicest people I had ever met.

"Just a shame your life was taken away from you. Everyone is going to miss you.

"You will never be forgotten Xxx."

A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following the crash.

He was later bailed pending further inquiries.