Mother's tribute to crash victim, 18

The grieving mother of a teenager tragically killed on his way home from work today paid tribute to her "lively and bubbly" son.

Shaun Billingham, who celebrated his 18th birthday only last Sunday, was a former pupil of Hillcrest School in Netherton, Dudley, and one of nine children.

His mother Tracey said she was still in shock after the fatal two-car smash on Friday night in Newtown Lane, Cradley Heath, which left her fourth eldest child dead.

The accident involved a Vauxhall Astra and Shaun's Rover 214, which collided near the Holly Bush pub just after 10pm.

The 39-year-old said the tight-knit family had been flooded with best wishes from relatives and friends at their home in Warrens Hall Road.

She spoke proudly of her hard-working son, who was named prom prince at his final year Hillcrest School ball last year. Shaun was studying sports development and fitness at Halesowen College and had a part-time job as a cashier and sales assistant at Tesco in Cradley Heath.

Mrs Billingham said he had planned to join the Army after completing his college course.

She added: "He was so lively and bubbly. He was very well groomed. He was very image-conscious and took pride in his appearance.

"He was very well-liked. He was one of nine children and they were all very close."

Shaun was a big wrestling fan and enjoyed watching matches on television and going to live shows across the Midlands. He was also a keen weightlifter. The death of Shaun is a further tragedy for the family to deal with following the diagnosis of his 52-year-old father Colin's brain tumour.

Mrs Billingham said she suspected something was wrong when she tried to contact Shaun after he had finished a shift at Tesco on his mobile phone but got no answer.

Shaun leaves seven brothers and one sister ranging in age from nine to 23. He also had three nephews and one niece.

Mrs Billingham said: "They have been left devastated and are shocked by what has happened."

The family are hoping to make arrangements for the funeral in the next few days.

Police have appealed for any witnesses to the accident to call 0845 113 5000.

A 22-year-old man has been arrested and questioned by officers.