HEAVY metal fans are in for a treat on Saturday if they head down to the Greyhound, in Wivenhoe.

The High Street venue will host former Iron Maiden guitarist Dennis Stratton, who will play a set from 3pm in the garden.

Playing with old friend Dave Edwards, the pair are regulars at Essex pubs, covering songs by the likes of Santana and Billy Idol.

Stratton, 54, began his music career at 16 when he was a budding footballer, playing for the West Ham Boys youth team.

Born and brought up in London’s East End, he bought his first guitar from a friend and the rest is history.

His first serious band was called Harvest and he went on to play for, and establish, other groups until a fateful day in 1980. Stratton’s wife at the time saw an advert in Melody Maker magazine, in which EMI Records were looking for a guitarist/backing vocalist for a band called Iron Maiden.

Since leaving the band, Stratton formed Lionheart and played with Praying Mantis, recorded a few albums and then teamed up with South African guitarist Mike de Jager in 2006.

After touring with Italian band the Clairvoyants, the pair toured South Africa earlier this year.

Stratton has again teamed up with his long-time friend Edwards to come to Wivenhoe as part of a line-up that includes Scarpenters News and Jay and Ramon.

Entry is free.

For more details, call 01206 825573.