CHAINSAW sculptor Mick Burns is taking an attraction to another dimension by creating huge wood sculptures that can talk.

The York Mazes launched three years ago at Ox Close Farm, Heslington, North Yorkshire, and has opened each summer since.

In what is claimed to be the largest maze in the world, visitors have to follow clues to help find their way around it.

Tom Pearcy, who manages the maze, said: "Last year, visitors had to read the clues off signs, but this year we will have talking wooden sculptures.

"As visitors approach the unusual and quirky sculptures, they will come alive and give them the next clue."

The maze is cut from a vast field of maize. It is planted in May and the pathways are cut in June.

Once the maize is big enough to get lost in, on July 16, it opens to the public and stays open for seven days a week until September 11, when it is harvested to feed cattle.

Mr Burns, who is based in Lincolnshire, first learned to use a chainsaw 28 years ago as part of his job in forestry and tree surgery. For the past eight years he has been earning a living as an instructor and chainsaw sculptor.

Published: 17/05/2005