A launch date has been set for this year's version of the record-breaking maze in Great Leighs.

But there won't be any new world-beating attempts - because the four-mile maze will be the same size as last year.

Organiser David Partridge hopes the new design will prove a much bigger challenge when it opens its doors to the public on July 15.

Like last year, the maze will be built of 12 ft-high maize at Rochester Farm in Main Road.

Mr Partridge, a turkey farmer, said: "The wet weather has slowed things down a bit but there is no doubt the maze will be ready in time for the official opening. This time I'm seeing it as a personal battle between myself and the visitors.

"I want it to be much harder and if anyone is still wandering around after four hours then I can safely say I have won. We're also looking into building a tower in the middle so that people can spot their friends in case they get lost.

"We've already taken school bookings and early indications show it's going to be even more successful than last year."

Mr Partridge will again be giving 10 per cent of proceeds to the Essex Air Ambulance appeal.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.