You might think there's something not quite right about a happily married woman offering advice to singletons.

But if yesterday's yearly dose of red roses and romance was too much to take, she might just be worth listening to.

Vicky Edwards, author of The Joy of Ex, admits she has been the victim of many a disastrous relationship, making her more than qualified to impart her knowledge on the subject to others.

It was her last boyfriend, who goes only by the name of "maggot", to whom her newly-published book is dedicated.

Vicky, 38, trawled through her back catalogue of bad boyfriends to pen the guide, which promises to help you get over your ex and on with your life.

Released in time for Valentine's Day, she hopes it will offer some support to people who have just come out of a relationship or are unhappy being single.

Vicky, from Chichester, said: "It is a bit like being a woman longing for a baby.

"If you have just been dumped then everywhere you look there are smug couples shopping for engagement rings or holding hands.

"I don't claim to have any qualifications on this subject whatsoever. This is just from my own personal experience.

"Hopefully it will be like having your friends in your handbag to provide advice at any time.

"After my last awful relationship, one friend just said to me, 'For goodness sake why don't you take your own advice'.

"That was when I started thinking about the book."

Now married to Spirit FM DJ Duncan Barkes, Vicky has put all her relationship woes behind her. Her four-month-old daughter Lily now means she has a completely different set of worries.

But she hasn't forgotten the heartbreak the end of a relationship can cause.

She said: "It is a physical pain. It seems to be a very British attitude most people have where they don't like to show they are suffering.

"That is when you most need people to be supportive and gentle with you.

"We don't believe we should cry but that is part of the process of getting over a relationship."

The book also includes tips on how to carry out virtual revenge.

One suggestion includes gathering all of your ex's letters, cards or gifts and burning them when you feel ready.

The twist to this traditional advice is to add a bottle of wine, a group of friends and some marshmallows on sticks.

Vicky joked: "You all sit round the fire and toast the marshmallows, watching them melt and pretending they are a part of your ex's anatomy."

Dos and don'ts and advice on how to cope with the first 24 hours of a break-up are also featured.

Vicky said: "This is all about being a joyous ex.

"Once you have got over the misery of being single, you can set out to enjoy some time alone."