HUNDREDS of youngsters are being told to "get lost" in an enormous maize maze created in the shape of a spider's web in York.

Farmer Tom Pearcy believes his "website", near Grimston Bar, could be one of the biggest in the world.

It covers 30 acres, the size of about 15 football pitches.

Almost five miles of paths have been created in an intricate design among 1.5 million plants which are expected to have reached a height of ten feet by the time the maze is opened to the public on Saturday.

Tom, 32, said the design was inspired by a spider's web that he spotted on a dewy morning while working on his 450-acre Heslington farm.

He said: "I think the kids will love racing along the paths pretending they are little flies being pursued by a hungry giant spider. But he's a loveable, friendly chap really."

The maize was planted in April and the design mapped out with a series of flags and miles of string. The crop will be harvested at the end of September and fed to Jersey cows.

The maze will be open from 10am to 5pm daily from Saturday until the end of September.

Access is from the Grimston Bar Park&Ride site and admission will cost £3.50 each for adults and £2.50 for children. Youngsters under five go free.

Updated: 10:12 Wednesday, July 23, 2003