Father of champion diver Daley dies, aged 40

The father of the teenage British diving champion Tom Daley has died at the age of 40 after a long battle with brain cancer. Robert Daley, who accompanied the world champion to tournaments, died on Friday night with his family at his side.

Yesterday, the 17-year-old diver paid tribute to his father – known as Rob – on the social networking site Twitter. He wrote: "If I could be half the dad that my dad was to me then that would be my best achievement! I love you! Xx".

Mr Daley was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2006. His health had deteriorated since February after it was confirmed that the disease had returned.

A statement from British Swimming said: "His health has been fluctuating since February but he continued to fight until the last day, defying doctors' expectations."