POOLE residents have got the diving bug since Tom Daley’s popular Splash! programme aired on ITV, with enquiries doubling at the Everyone Active Leisure Centre.

Andy Birbeck, swimming lesson manager at the Dolphin Pool, said: “Before the show the only people we ever saw doing diving on our TV were the top class athletes – the likes of Tom Daley. But watching celebrities who have not done diving before progress over a six-week period has made people realise how accessible diving is.

“Our enquiries have increased by 50 per cent which is fantastic news for Poole. If all these people take up lessons we will have to increase the amount of lessons that we offer which is good news for the people of Poole.”

And it is not just for youngsters. The final included contestants aged 53, 51 and 43 and the show was won by former Olympian Eddie the Eagle Edwards.

Tom’s coach and judge on the show, Andy Banks said: “Splash demonstrated how hard the sport can be but it also proved that anyone can have a go. It’s a tough sport and it hurts when it goes wrong but it’s nice to see people wanting to give it a go.

“From my point of view it’s great to have been involved with the show, it’s great for the sport and it’s great for Tom.”