A NEW attraction at a Ribble Valley farm is set to a-maize the crowds.

Two huge scarecrows have been cut out of a maize crop planted in a field at Bashall Barn Farm, Twitter Lane, Bashall Town, near Clitheroe, to form a maze.

Visitors to the farm will be able to pit their wits against the winding twists and turns of the maze as they make their way towards the final destination, the scarecrows' heads.

The attraction, which opened to the public on Saturday, measures 100 square metres and took up to 30 hours for farm owner Simon Barnes to create from the maize, planted in May.

The idea is part of a drive by the Farm Retail Association (FRA) to bring people back into the country after the foot and mouth epidemic last year.

During the outbreak cattle were culled within three miles of the dairy farm.

"As a rural business, we've been keen to support the project as much as we can," said 34-year-old Simon.

"The aim is for families to weave their way through the footpaths we've made and enjoy a living theme park.

"They'll walk through ears of corn that stand more than six feet, but they'll still be able to enjoy the fantastic views of the Ribble Valley."

Named after Simon's two children, Joe and Becky, the scarecrows' arms meet in the middle of the maze, which has 20 signposts to help visitors find their way.

These indicated points on the journey marked by Becky's skirt and top, and Joe's waistcoat. People should be able to complete the maze in about an hour, but even Simon has taken wrong turns -although he can normally manage to do it in five minutes.

"It's supposed to be fun and the signs explain where you are in the maze," he said.

"I'm hoping it will bring people back in.

"It's got people talking and grabbed their imagination."

After the rigours of the maize maze visitors will be able to recover in the farm's shop, which opened 15 months ago.

The maze will be the focal point for a lantern-lit Hallowe'en tour in October before it is chopped down and used as winter feed for the farm's stock.

It is open from 9am to 5.30pm from Monday to Friday, and from 10am to 5.30pm at weekends.

Entry is £1.75 for children, £2.95 adults, and £8.95 for a family ticket admitting two adults and two children.

For more information call Simon on 01200 428964.