BOXING legend Frank Bruno was guest of honour at a national mental health conference hosted at the Park Inn Palace Hotel, Southend.

The former world heavyweight champion spoke candidly about his life and career, as well as his experiences after he was sectioned under the mental health act and diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2003.

Big Frank, 49, frequently raised a laugh with his anecdotes, as well as reflecting on the help he received as he recovered.

He said: “Philip Miller, who owns Adventure Island, used to say to me ‘Frank, there is light at the end of the tunnel’, but to me it felt like a fog.

“Now ten years on and the light is blinding me. I am happy and very chilled.”

The conference is the second one Southend Mind has hosted.

Charity chairman Kay Ward said: “The purpose is to raise awareness of mental health issues, and it’s wonderful to have Frank come along. It has been a very successful day.”