TWO founder members of boy band Busted are suing for millions of pounds in damages at London's High Court.

Kiley "Ki" Fitzgerald, 24, from Herne Bay, and Owen Doyle, 26, from Birmingham, were told by fellow members, Matthew Willis, 24, and James Bourne, 24, they were no longer required in October 2001, shortly before Busted hit the big time, London's High Court has heard.

With new member, Charlie Simpson, Busted went on to achieve massive chart success.

Mr Fitzgerald and Mr Doyle say they helped write some of the band's most successful songs - including three of group's first four hits - and are entitled to huge royalty payments.

Previous estimates have put their claim against Mr Bourne and Mr Willis, who is being sued under the name Matthew Sargeant, at around £2 million.

The dispute is over songs written between February 2001 and October 2001, in particular "Sleeping With The Light On", "What I Go to School For", "Psycho Girl" and "Year 3000", all of which achieved phenomenal success.

The case is due to last 15 days.