A FORMER Olympian turned celebrity super-coach is hoping to use a new advisory role to inspire a generation to take up exercise.

Greg Whyte, who was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Years Honours last week, has been given a key role advising the English Team at this year’s Commonwealth Games.

The university professor prepped David Walliams for his epic 140-mile swim along the Thames for Sport Relief and whipped Eddie Izzard into shape to run 43 marathons in 51 days.

And the multi-talented sportsman hopes July’s competition in Glasgow can help encourage the nation’s children off the sofa and onto sports fields.

"I’m looking forward to working with the team at the Commonwealth Games later this year," he said.

"Although it’s not quite on home turf like last year it’s going to be a big event.

"I think it is a fantastic opportunity for inspiring young people to stay active, it’s something I’m really passionate about.

"I hope it will to inspire them to get out there and exercise and build on the success of the London 2012."

Professor Whyte has worked extensively with Cardiac Risk in the Young, which raises awareness of issues that can lead to children dying unexpectedly of Sudden Death Syndrome.

The charity also offers bereavement advice to families and friends of those affected, and funds research into the the factors that can cause children heart problems.