IRON Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson took to the sky this afternoon to launch the 11th Kemble Air Day.

The heavy metal rocker, who is also a commercial airline pilot, was part of a mini display involving vintage Hunter and Vampire planes.

The day was a taster ahead of the main event, which will take place on Father's Day, Sunday, June 17.

The theme for this year is the 100th birthday of Frank Whittle, who invented the jet engine, and 70 years of British jet aviation.

The Red Arrows, which used to be based at the Cotswold airfield, are also scheduled to perform.

Mr Dickinson said: "It's a great airfield and event to support, and it has a nice theme this year.

"It's a great story and I don't think people are aware just how switched on the British aviation industry was in the '50s, '60s and '70s.

"The Red Arrows were based in Kemble for 20 years and Kemble itself has a huge association with the jet engine, so it's great to reflect that in the display.

"Kemble is a great airfield, because it is one that is still enthusiastic about aviation. It seems to be a place that is very well embedded in the community."

Organiser Glen Moreman said this year's air day should be spectacular.

"Kemble Air Day has developed over the last decade into a major air show, which still manages to retain its personal feel," he said "The public are able to get close and really feel part of the action."