A QUEST to find Britain's top lifestyle coach has been launched by a Cheltenham businessman.

Ian Banyard, who runs a confidence clinic in the town, says he hopes to lift the mood of the nation with the Britain's next top coach competition.

Ian said: "People have a misguided notion that if you seek help from a coach there is something wrong with you. That is not the case.

"By using a coach people are seeking to improve their lives.

"Coaches offer practical solutions to everyday problems."

Ian, working with video producer Terry Malloy, said he was inspired to create the X-Factor style contest to correct misconceptions about coaching.

He said: "Even the fastest man in the world – Usain Bolt – has a coach. He is still looking to better himself.

"It is about getting people to see things from a different perspective."

Dozens of coaches have already recorded three-minute videos which are on the internet.

The clips feature life coaches, business coaches and sports coaches giving their top tips on how to reach your goals and be a success.

A public event will be held at the University of Gloucestershire later this month where 12 semi-finalists will give presentations.

The winner and two runners-up will receive media production deals.

Ian said: "We are looking to create a lasting legacy to Great Britain's hosting of the 2012 Olympics.

"We hope it will be a legacy that goes beyond the buildings and physical infrastructure created to host the games but rather to the heart of the nation.

"We want to shift the culture of a nation and create a legacy in which the self-help profession can play a very special role."

Visit www.britainsnexttopcoach.tv to view the coaches' videos and to vote for your favourite entrant.