Daley, who showed his medal to the crowds during an open-top bus tour, won the 10m platform in the Italian capital.

 

 

Daley said: "This has been such a crazy day.

 

"I can't believe how many people have turned up.

 

"I want to thank each one of you.

 

"This medal is a pretty cool bit of bling.

 

"To be the world's best diver is a lifetime ambition and I still can't believe I've done it.

 

"I was so nervous when I took that dive - I knew I had to do something special."

 

Daley paraded through the city alongside his father Rob, 39, mother Debbie, 38, and younger brothers William, 13, and Ben, ten.

 

He also revealed his future ambitions after his diving career is finished was to be a Blue Peter presenter.

 

Daley said: "I've always wanted be a TV presenter - and I love Blue Peter."

 

He was then awarded a rare gold Blue Peter badge by one of the show's presenters, Joel Defries.

 

Vivien Pengelly, the Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: "Plymouth is immensely proud of Tom.

 

"To become world champion at the age of 15 is an incredible achievement and we wanted to do something as a city to recognise that.

 

"He is a wonderful ambassador, not only for his sport and young people, but also for the city."