Never-before-seen photos from behind the scenes of Saving Private Ryan have been unearthed almost 30 years after filming wrapped up - along with revelations about the blockbuster cast.

Tom Hanks and director Steven Spielberg feature in the time-capsule pictures taken by an extra on set at the Hatfield Aerodrome in Hertfordshire.

Mike Drew, from Dalston, east London, worked as a background actor in the 1998 Oscar-winning World War Two film, and until now has kept his album private.

He snuck a small Olympus camera inside his German soldier's helmet, and took a dozen photos of stunts, explosions and candid moments on set.

Mike also reveals the onset habits of the actors, how each of them treated the extras, and which star was perpetually 'moody'.

Spielberg's epic tale - tracking Captain John H Miller, played by Tom Hanks, who leads a squad to rescue Private Ryan after his three brothers were killed - is widely considered one of the greatest war films of all time.

The main actors all completed a week-long boot camp to help them understand the soldier's experience, and the opening scene depicting the Omaha beach assault is renowned for its likeness to the reality of war.

Hundreds of extras were used in the production, and each had to prove they had experience handling weapons.

Tom Hanks, right, posing for a photo with Mike on his last day of filming

Director Steven Spielberg in the editing tent with his Second Unit Director Sergio Mimica

Mike standing with his arms folded, front right, just before filming the final battle of the film

Mike portrayed one of German soldiers in the scene where Private Ryan, played by a 27-year-old Matt Damon, is finally found by his comrades, fiercely defending a bridge against the Nazis.

He fit the bill perfectly, having previously served in the Royal Green Jackets, 1st Battalion, in the British Army.

His friend persuaded him to attend the auditions at the intelligence corps in Holborn, central London, and he got the job on the spot.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Mike said: 'When we got to the set in 1997, we were told no cameras allowed, and anyone caught with one would be kicked out.

'They promised there would be a chance for photos at the end so everyone did as they were asked - but it never happened in the end, so I'm glad I had my Olympus.

'Everyday I was filming I had it, but I was confident I wouldn't get caught. They were mainly checking that people didn't take the props home.'

Reflecting on meeting Hollywood royalty, Mike revealed that many of the actors were 'down to Earth'.