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Holidaymakers who were left stranded by the collapse of travel firm XL found themselves being rescued by an unusual figure – Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson.

As well as being the frontman of one of the best known bands in British rock 'n' roll, Dickinson is a fully qualified commercial pilot.

He came to the aid of travellers in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el Sheikh and the Greek island of Kos, according to reports.

The heavy metal singer has been employed by Astraeus, a company that leases out its aircraft around the world, for the last seven years and regularly operates flights around Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

A spokesman for the firm said: "The roster meant that Bruce Dickinson was on holiday when this was going on.

"After XL went bump it just so happened that Bruce, being on holiday, was available and other cabin crew were brought in as well."

When Iron Maiden go on tour, Dickinson takes to the controls of a Boeing 757 named Ed Force One after the band's mascot Eddie.

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