Scientists announced that they have created a formula for the perfect handshake after it was revealed that seven in ten Britons are nervous about getting it wrong.

More than two-thirds said they lacked confidence when it came to performing the gesture, according to a survey for Chevrolet.

A handshake is an ancient method of showing friendship and signalling agreement but many Brits are unsure of how to do it.

Staff at the car firm will be instructed on the ideal technique with a five-step process and given the mathematical formula in a new handshake training guide.

On average people will shake hands 15,000 times in a lifetime.

How to do the perfect handshake

    * Use right hand, a complete grip and a firm squeeze (but not too strong)

    * Ensure fingers are under the receiving palm

    * Position hand in a mid-point position between yourself and the other person

    * A cool and dry palm, approximately three shakes, with a medium level of vigour

    * Hold for no longer than two to three seconds

    * Keep eye contact throughout

    * Accompany with a good natural smile and an appropriate accompanying verbal statement

The biggest problems were sweaty palms, limp wrist, gripping too hard and lack of eye contact.

Professor Geoffrey Beattie, head of psychological sciences at the University of Manchester, devised the equation taking into account 12 key measures - such as vigour, eye contact, hand temperature, positioning and length - needed to convey respect and trust to the recipient.

He said: 'The human handshake is one of the most crucial elements of impression formation and is used as a source of information for making a judgment about another person.

'A handshake reveals aspects of the personality of the person giving it - for example, a soft handshake can indicate insecurity, whilst a quick-to-let-go handshake can suggest arrogance - so it is surprising that up until now there has not been a guide showing people how they should shake hands.'

A third of women never shake hands while only six per cent of men avoid the gesture entirely.

Over half of men say they enjoy the experience compared to only 29 per cent of women.  Hygiene-conscious women hate having to hold sweaty palms with exactly half identifying it as the biggest turn-off.