OXFORD Sailing Club opened its doors bright and early to cheer on a home-grown star at the Olympics.

More than 50 people watched Tom Squires compete in the RS:X windsurfing medal race, which began at 7.30am BST in Japan.

The 27-year-old, from Kingston Bagpuize, learnt his craft at the Farmoor Reservoir-based club and was made an honorary life time member for his achievements.

His parents Simon and Val, as well as representatives from the Royal Yachting Association, were among those watching on as Squires finished seventh at his first Games.

Russ Canning, the club’s windsurf secretary, said: “To finish seventh in his first Olympics, and actually win one of his races, is an incredible achievement.

“It bodes well for the Paris Olympics in just three years’ time when the sailing events will be held in Marseilles, waters with which Tom is very familiar.

“Tom’s Olympic experience from this year will also be invaluable.

“His predecessor, Nick Dempsey, participated in four Olympics and brought home three medals.”

Squires was seeking to emulate Oxford member Bryony Shaw, who won RS:X bronze at the 2008 Beijing Games.

His progress was monitored by Oxford’s next generation of windsurfers, who watched on a laptop from an event at Pitsford Reservoir, Northamptonshire.

Canning added: “As Oxford Sailing Club’s second windsurf Olympian, Tom is a hero and a role model to all our junior Team 15 windsurfers.”