The diehard Eurovision supporter, who has travelled to each of the last 14 competitions across the continent, has interviewed pop legends such as Sir Cliff Richard, Katrina and the Waves and Bobby G from Bucks Fizz as part of his work to produce Flying the Flag: The UK in Eurovision.

The 46-year-old press officer from Duston said: "The reason for the book is that I have always been interested in Eurovision and nobody had actually done anything to celebrate the UK's 50 years in Eurovision.

"I know people slag it off but I have always just found it a fun contest as long as you don't take it too seriously.

"I tried not to make the book a Eurovision anorak guide and I hope it will appeal to anyone that has an interest in Eurovision."

The book launch coincides with the 54th Eurovision Song Contest, which is being held in Moscow on May 16.

Mr Roberts said he would be travelling out to Russia to the event, as he has done every year since 1995, to cheer on British hope Jade who will be performing the track It's My Time.

He said: "I have been a fan of the contest every since ABBA won in 1974 and I have been unable to shake the obsession.

"There are two or three contests that stand out in my memory but my favourite is probably in 1981 when Bucks Fizz won, as there were some really good songs that year.

"We seem to be taking it very seriously this year with Andrew Lloyd Webber writing the song.

"I can't see us winning but we would do well to finish in the top half."

In the book, the Northampton author addresses the issue of "bloc" voting that has dogged the contest in recent years and has backed the introduction of a jury voting system.

Published by Authorhouse in paperback and hardback, the book will be available from leading bookshops and online by the end of the month.

Orders can be place by emailing andyroberts15@tiscali.co.uk