TIVERTON'S very first maize maze will be unveiled to the public in a couple of weeks time.

The Gregory family, of Tiverton Hall Farm, came up with the idea as something different for families to do over the summer months.

The maze is based on the theme of a castle because of its proximity to Peckforton Castle, and according to Clare Gregory it could take a few hours to complete if people get lost.

'It's due to open on July 19 for the summer holidays,' said Clare.'It's designed as a family visitor attraction suitable for all. Maze is like sweet corn and most farmers feed it to their cows, it is grown to about 6ft tall.

'We have designed a maze and cut that into the crop, now we are just keeping our fingers crossed it will grow!'

Clare says the crop will not be full height when the attraction opens but at 4ft 6ins the maze will still baffle visitors. They also have a picnic site at the farm for families to recover after the trek and there are quiz questions along the way to keep everyone entertained.

The idea came to Clare when a friend mentioned a similar maze they had been to.

'A friend told me about one they had been in and they thought it was a great idea. It's a fun activity and really gets the family talking. It will cost £3.50 for adults and £2.50 for children and OAPs, and there is free car parking on site.

'It's just something different for people to come and do over the summer. The total maze covers about four or five acres, people could be in there for a few hours if they get lost.

'But we are planning to give people an escape route, we will give everyone a flag on a big cane which they can wave if they want to get out or have young children who get fed up.

'We hope to carry it on every year depending on how successful it is, we plan to do a different theme every year.'

The family received funding help for the maze from Northern Marches - England Leader. This is a project which is part of a European Community Initiative to assist rural communities by making best use of natural and cultural resources and adding value to products.

* The maze will open on July 19 at Tiverton Hall Farm, Huxley Lane in Tiverton. It will be open seven days a week, from 10am until 8pm. Evening opening and special events such as children's birthday parties can be catered for. For information contact Clare 01829 732517.