A woman battling depression for a number of years has been chosen as the face of mental health by a leading charity.

Helen Convery, 41, from Epsom, was selected from more than 300 applicants nationwide to model in a photo shoot, by mental health charity Mind, which provides support to those with mental health problems.

The photos taken of Ms Convery will form the basis of Mind’s communication materials, feature on its website, in its information booklets and on posters.

Speaking after the photo shoot, she said: "I want to help get the message out there that anyone can be affected by mental health problems. 

"In theory, I have nothing to be depressed about: I have a job, a loving husband and supportive family.  But the fact remains that I do have depression, and I don’t want other people to shy away from getting support.”

Ms Convery has found help for depression through Mind and has run several fundraising runs in aid of the charity.

Paul Farmer, chief executive of Mind, said: “Mind believes that no one should have to face a mental health problem alone.

"We hope that by being open and honest in the way we represent ourselves, we can dispel stigma and encourage everybody to take care of the mental health of themselves and those around them."

For more information on Mind visit: www.mind.org.uk.