A race against time helped a farmer achieve fame by creating the world's largest maze - but only for 24 hours.

David Partridge, who owns Rochester Farm in Great Leighs, near Braintree, could find himself in the Guinness Book of Records for his 4.2 mile maze made of maize.

But less than 24 hours later the turkey farmer's efforts were beaten by a copy-cat attempt in America.

Mr Partridge, 63, who had originally planned to open the maze in July, was horrified to learn just days ago farmers were working on a bigger attempt in Utah.

So, with a band of helpers, Mr Partridge - whose initial record has still to be verified - managed to get the £25,000 attraction opened to the public on Saturday just hours before the Utah version smashed his record on American Independence Day yesterday. It has not been confirmed by how much the record has been shattered.

Mr Partridge said: "I have been working on that maze for around two and a half years so there was no way I was going to let someone else from America pip me to the post at the last moment.

"I may have just held the record for hours but at least my maze is a record-breaking effort in the first place. We've rushed to open it but all that's left to be added is a few toilets."

Mr Partridge added he didn't know the details of the American attempt but only found out it existed when a friend phoned him last Thursday.

He is also urging the public to wait until the official opening on July 17 before they visit the maze because "it will be more spectacular when it's fully grown".

The attraction, which will also raise money for Essex Air Ambulance, will cost £3.50 entrance fee for adults and £2.50 for OAPs and children.

There will also be escape maps available at £1.50. People will be refunded if they don't open the sealed envelope to get to the map.

Aerial view - the maze created by farmer David Partridge.

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