FARMER Andrew Cumming wants to make an amazing impact on the rolling countryside at his 400-acre farm.

With jigsaw-like precision, he is aiming to create a ten-acre maze in a maize field at his arable and dairy farm between Boroughbridge and Knaresborough, North Yorkshire. The venture is due to open between mid-July and September.

Mr Cumming, 38, has no idea how many visitors his venture will attract, so members of the extended Cumming family, who have strong links with the Arkendale area, will be ready to staff the gates, car park and oversee the project.

Andrew's father, Graham, also a farmer in the area, said: "Everything we are doing is a first. Andrew is trying to diversify with this and to make a bit more money than you do from farming at the moment."

Andrew is seeking planning permission for the venture at Tuesday's meeting of Harrogate Borough Council at Knaresborough.

Planning officer Neville Watson is recommending approval.

He said: "This is considered an acceptable farm diversion project with a limited season of use.

"But to give an opportunity to assess traffic, it is recommended that permission be temporary, for only two years, with restricted opening hours."