"SORRY about this, I don't usually come this way. Just let me get my bearings."

This was not really what I wanted to hear from my guide as he showed me round York's newest attraction, the Maize Maze.

Farmer Tom Pearcy had momentarily lost his way in the 20-acre puzzle he designed and constructed on land just off the Grimston Bar Park and Ride, near York.

He hopes thousands of visitors will do likewise over the next eight weeks.

Planted in the shape of a Viking longship, the aim of the game is very simple - find your way out of five miles of intricate pathways.

Tom predicts it should take about 90 minutes to solve it, but that can vary.

Two cheeky children were rescued by Tom on Saturday after they ran away from their granny. They were in there for nearly three hours.

Each person is provided with a balloon before entering which can be waved to indicate you want rescuing.

If you're lucky you may come across a family of deer who are regular visitors to the maze, along with hares, grasshoppers and butterflies.

A steady stream of visitors - young and old - gave the new attraction the thumbs up.

Entry is £3.50 for adults and £2.50 for children. Under-fives go free. Refreshments are available.

Updated: 09:23 Thursday, August 01, 2002