Hundreds of disappointed Tom Daley
fans have been turned away from his book signing at Bluewater today
because of huge demand.

Crowds began forming outside
Waterstone's from the early hours to meet the diving sensation, who
won a bronze medal in the Olympics.

Some dedicated fans brought pillows
and camped in the shopping centre from 1am.

They were among thousands of fans
- mainly teenage girls - desperate to catch a glimpse
of 18-year-old Tom, who began signing copies of his new
book at 12.30pm.

Waterstone's bosses had to close
the queue at about 9.30am because of the huge number of fans -
three hours before he was due to arrive.

The first fans to arrive at Bluewater
at 1am were Lucy Tregear, her daughter Emily and friend Holly
Mortimer - both 12.

Emily, who travelled from Blackheath in south
east London, said: "We're so excited. We've been
here since 1am - it's been amazing.

"Tom's such an inspiration to all of us because of the
Olympics."

Many of the fans proudly held posters adorned with lovehearts
and chanted: 'We want Tom!'

Crowds at the Tom Daley
book signing. Picture: Nick Johnson

Clearly delighted with the response from fans, Tom posted a
message on Twitter thanking them for their support.

He told KentOnline: "I'm very excited about the fact I've
got a medal. It's just an incredible experience and great to have
something to show for all the hard work and effort I've put in.

"It's been awesome to think that people are inspired by the
Olympic Games."

Tom Daley fans queued at
Bluewater from the early hours. Picture: Nick Johnson

The Olympic posterboy's visit comes
after he received his A-level results this morning.

He posted his results - including
an A in Spanish and A* in photography - on Twitter.

Emily Tregear and Holly
Mortimer, both 12, camped overnight at Bluewater

Tom won two gold medals at the 2010
Commonwealth Games and just days ago enjoyed more success at London
2012.

His life was torn apart with the death
of his much-loved father and mentor last year. Now he has written a
book called My Story.

Sorry, this video asset has been removed.

Video: Tom Daley signed
his new book at Waterstone's in Bluewater

Waterstone's assistant manager Andrea
Arnold said: "We're really thrilled to be welcoming Tom Daley to
the store, fresh from his fantastic bronze medal for Team GB.

"He's a household name with a
fascinating story of dedication and triumph... a true sporting
hero.

"We expect this book signing to be
very busy and would urge customers to get here as early as possible
on the day as access to the queue will be first come, first
served."

Tom Daley performs at the
Olympics Aquatics Centre