FRIENDS of the family of Tom Daley gathered to watch the

youngster's performance at his father's local pub.

The group enjoyed breakfast at The Mermaid in Eggbuckland as

they watched the synchronised diving final on the big

screen.

Despite team GB never really getting into the medal race,

Daley's dives got the big cheers and people were delighted to

see a local boy representing Britain at the highest level.

Sean Ingram, 39, a friend of Tom's father Rob Daley, said:

"I thought it was brilliant. He's 14 and he's an Olympian."

He said Tom would get a hero's welcome when he returns

home.

Eggbuckland man Shaun Stoyle, 48, added: "I enjoyed watching

it. I think people were maybe expecting too much, but he's

there, that's the main thing."

He said many more locals would have turned out to watch Tom

if it hadn't been a workday morning.

The pub fell into nervous silence every time Daley prepared

to dive, and with each successful execution the spectators

erupted into applause.

The Mermaid's landlord Steve Scarff said he had expected a

few more customers to make the early session, and he is also

hoping to open when Tom dives in the singles competition on

Friday week.

Tom's uncle Jamie Daley travelled to London to watch his

nephew dive with other members of the family.

He said: "I'm extremely happy with Tom's performance and the

way he held himself. There was so much pressure; for a

14-year-old boy it's unbelievable.

"I think he will use what he's done to do even better in the

individual competition."

Daley will dive in the qualifying rounds on Friday August

22, starting at 3am. If he gets through, the finals will take

place the following afternoon.

HERALD EXCLUSIVE: Don't miss today's edition of The Herald in

which Great Britain diving coach Andy Banks talks exclusively

about the 'bust up' between Tom Daley and divning partner Blake

Aldridge, and on their diving performance yesterday.