A STUDENT barber who touched the lives of many and was ‘always smiling and joking’ has attracted hundreds of tributes.

Friends were always popping around for a trim from popular Callum Brown and he was set to start a placement with award-winning stylist Christian Scott this week.

But the 18-year-old lost his life when the Peugeot 106 car in which he was a passenger collided with a bus shelter and a tree in Burnley Road, Todmorden, near his home in the early hours of last Friday.

Today his mother has remembered the ‘talented’ teenager and thanked young people across Todmorden for their support in the wake of his death.

His mother Janet said: “Callum was very talented at a lot of things but he was just like any other teenager — he liked to socialise and sleep a lot. He was always smiling and joking.

“Friends used to come around for a haircut, then they’d go out together.

“He had just secured a place at hairdressers Christian Scott’s in Halifax — it was only voluntary but he had done very well to get a place there. They had recognised Callum’s talent and he has won worldwide competitions.”

The former Todmorden High pupil had studied film and photography at Calderdale College before moving on to a barbers’ course.

Outside his studies, he was a regular at Todmorden Youth Club.

Hundreds of message of condolence have arrived at the family home or been issued through social media, which has been a comfort to Callum’s family, which also includes stepfather David, brothers Michael and Matthew and sisters Levi, Heather and Becky.

Janet added: “I would just like to thank all of the young people of Todmorden for their support.

“He has had a massive impact on so many people’s lives and we’ve certainly been made aware of all that this week.”

Callum was also the subject of a memorial assembly at Todmorden High yesterday and his funeral will take place next week.