The humble tomato could play a crucial role in warding off depression, according to a new study.

Researchers found eating tomatoes just a few times a week could halve a person's chances of suffering.

The results come from a study in the elderly, who are particularly prone to depression due to social isolation and poor mobility.

A team of researchers from China and Japan analysed the mental health records and dietary habits of just under 1000 Japanese men and women aged 70 or over.

The results found those eating tomatoes two to six times a week were 46% less likely to suffer depression than those eating them less than once a week.