Children came in their dozens to test run a new pirate fantasy maze at a Braintree tourist attraction at the weekend.

Dorewards Hall Farm in The Chase, Bocking Churchstreet, has had a maize-made maze at the farm for several years but the owners recently decided to transform it into a pirate theme activity.

Youngsters can now come along and dress up with pirates hats and swords and work their way through to the cove at the centre of the 2 and a half acre maze.

Owner Susan Lord said the first day, Saturday, was a great success.

"We kept some scarecrows from an Easter event and we transformed them into pirates.

"Children can now search for treasure and walk the plank. It's fantastic," she added.

She now hopes to keep the 8ft high maze open until Hallowe'en as she grows her own pumpkins and would like to transform it into a festive theme then as well.

Published Tuesday August 20, 2002

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