Iron Maiden frontman and pilot Bruce Dickinson is to open an aircraft maintenance business in Wales, the BBC reports. Located in the brilliantly-named Twin Peaks Hangar in the Vale of Glamorgan, Cardiff Aviation Ltd could create hundreds of jobs in the region. The Welsh Assembly, from whom Dickinson will lease the hanger located at RAF St Athan, is said to be "delighted".

Dickinson said that his willingness to invest had been boosted by what he sees "a level of enthusiasm and drive that has been a delight to behold. We're coming into this enterprise with the knowledge that we'll also be bringing business to south Wales."

Dickinson also reflected on the past history of the area when it comes to aviation: "South Wales has long had an association with the aircraft industry and I am delighted that I am able to have a small part in the continuation of that tradition."

Business minister Edwina Hart was similarly enthusiastic: "We have been working closely with Bruce Dickinson and Cardiff Aviation on this exciting project for some time and delighted it has come to fruition," she said. "This is exactly the type of investment needed - bringing money into the local economy while also providing an international promotion for St Athan Aerospace Business Park and the Aviation Enterprise Zone.

"We have a strong dynamic aerospace sector in Wales and this investment will build upon the skilled workforce that already exists in the area, providing a range of career opportunities."