Bruce Dickinson is set to take to the skies as a German fighter pilot as part of First World War commemorations.

The Iron Maiden frontman, a qualified pilot, will be flying his own replica Fokker Dr1 aircraft complete with Iron Cross insignia.

The rock star will take part in a meticulously choreographed dogfight as he joins The Great War Display Team at the Duxford Airshow at the Imperial War Museum, Cambridgeshire.

Speaking ahead of the event, which takes place on September 13 and 14, he said: "First World War aircraft are what I would term unfailingly interesting in their flying characteristics.

"The triplanes in particular are independent-minded on the ground. In the air it is a pure dogfighter."

The 56-year-old singer, whose godfather and uncle both served in the RAF, has worked as a commercial pilot since the early 1990s.

Dickinson joined The Great War Display Team earlier this year after purchasing his Fokker.

"This will be my first Duxford as a display pilot, so it's a big thrill and I hope we stir the passions in the audience," he added.

"It's quite a sight, nine First World War fighters mixing it up, close and personal."

A Sopwith triplane, Royal Aircraft Factory SE5a aircraft, Junkers CLI aircraft and Royal Aircraft Factory BE2 aircraft will also take part in the display.