12:28am UK, Monday October 20, 2003

Troubled former world heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno has left hospital after being sectioned under the Mental Health Act last month.]

Bruno, who has been suffering from sever depression, smiled, waved and gave a thumbs-up as he was driven away from the site in Redbridge, Essex.

Bruno at home after his release

The former boxer, wearing a red top and baseball cap, looked relaxed as he sat in the front passenger seat next to a female driver.

His agent Kevin Lushing, speaking from Spain, wished the former boxer well and said he was pleased to hear he had left hospital.

But he added a note of caution: "He has a long way to go yet and he just needs to be in familiar surroundings now.

"I wish him well. I haven't spoken to him yet but I'll hopefully be seeing him this week."

During his time at Goodmayes Hospital, Bruno was visited by his former wife Laura, their children and staff received hundreds of goodwill messages and dozens of bouquets for the star.

It has been widely reported that Bruno has been battling depression and has also gone through a painful and costly divorce.

It is believed the father of three was being driven back to his home near Brentwood.