Thousands of children have been given the chance to see some of the world’s top athletes in action at the European Aquatics Championship.

The London Legacy Development Corporation has provided tickets to schools across east London, allowing 5,000 youngsters the chance to witness swimming, synchronised swimming and diving at the London Aquatics Centre.

Among the schools to take up the offer of tickets was Chobham Academy.

The school, which is situated in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s East Village, took a group of students to watch the professionals in action.

Marcie Mallea, 12, said: “I had a great day, it was fun watching the diving and we even saw Tom Daley.

“It was great to be able to be invited to such an amazing event”.

Noah Voyce, 12, added: “I really enjoyed watching the diving and synchronised swimming as it’s something we’ve never seen before.

“It’s definitely made me want to come back and watch again!”

Alexandra Dutch, PE teacher at the Ulysses Place, Stratford, school, said: “It was great to be able to take the kids to the London Aquatics Centre.

“Many of them had never been to an event like it before and it was great for them to see professional athletes like Tom Daley in action.”

The elite championships finished yesterday, with the masters, for amateur athletes, taking place from Wednesday until Sunday.

Home fans have had plenty to cheer about throughout the tournament, with diver Tom Daley, who trains at the London Aquatics Centre, securing two golds and a silver.

He said: ““It was lovely to come in and get the gold medal, but it wasn’t really about that for me.

“It was about being in the right place at the right time and now I’m in the perfect position going into the Olympic Games.”

Swimmer Ross Murdoch took his first European title in the 200m breaststroke and also came second in the 100m breaststroke, behind countryman Adam Peaty.

Murdoch, who will make his Olympic debut in Rio later this year, said: ““I never imagined I would win a gold medal here so I’m absolutely delighted.

“This just proved that all the hard work does pay off.”