A ROADSIDE display of flowers, a white teddy bear and a poem to 'BFG - the Big Friendly Giant,' symbolised an outpouring of grief over the tragic death of a young man that has left Leominster in shock.

Davey Stanik, aged 19, of Bargates, Leominster, died after he was in collision with a taxi, following a public disorder incident in the town centre. Another local man is facing a manslaughter charge.

Police said that at about 1am last Saturday a group of youths were involved in a public disorder incident in Westbury Street with the result that Davey was in collision with the vehicle.

A 21-year-old Leominster man, Matthew John Staples, who was arrested and charged with manslaughter, is on police bail and is due to appear before Hereford Magistrates Court tomorrow (Friday).

Officers were examining film from a CCTV camera mounted on the Euphoria Nightclub at the South Street/Westbury Street junction. Davey died on the opposite side of the junction near a taxi rank.

Investigations focused on what happened at the spot in the moments leading up to his death. Police appealed for witnesses.

The tall, stocky, teenager - dubbed the BFG and loved by his family for his easy-going attitude - is known to have attended the nightclub earlier. He left it about 40 minutes before the tragic incident which cost him his life.

The cab driver was not facing any charges but was understood to be very upset by the incident. A spokesman for the taxi firm involved declined to comment.

Davey Stanik, a former Minster College pupil, lived with his father at Bargates. Both Mr Stanik senior, and Davey's mother, of Pinsley Road, Leominster, were said to be too distressed to talk about the tragedy.

"Davey was a gentle giant. He didn't have a bad bone in his body. We are all gobsmacked," said an aunt.

At the Minster College, principal Valerie Thomasson said: "We are extremely saddened at the death of our ex-student. This is an absolute tragedy for all concerned and our thoughts are with the family."

A Euphoria Nightclub spokeswoman expressed her sorrow "over this very sad, tragic accident."

Managers asked clubbers to remember Davey in an announcement over the PA system last Saturday night. The club was planning to make a further announcement as a mark of respect tomorrow (Friday).

Yesterday (Wednesday), passers-by were pausing to look at many floral tributes and messages fixed to a telegraph pole at the scene of the tragedy.

The first lines of a poem headed in large red letters BFG, read: "Big Friendly Giant, With a Heart of Gold, Who wouldn't hurt a fly, Who was far too young to die." It bore the names of family members and friends.

Another, signed 'Mum & Dad' said: "You'll always be in our thoughts our precious Baby Boy.'

"We will never forget you Big Bro," Davey's sisters, Krystie, Tara and Dana, said in their message.

6 RIGHT: Floral tributes to Davey Stanik, on the lamppost at the death scene. 040514-1.