HAVING completed their training to give customers a warm welcome, the staff of one Yorkshire's tourist attractions are now being taught the art of scaring the living daylights out of their visitors.

York Maze has brought in professional actors and 'scarers' from the York Dungeon to train its staff ready for the Haunted Horror Maze Nights being held this month.

Maze Master Tom Pearcy says: "Following the terrifying success of the Haunted Horror Maze nights last year we have doubled the number of nights this season. It seems people just love to be scared. Being in the maze at night does un-nerve you. Without daylight and only able to see a few feet ahead, you quickly become disorientated.

"There is an art to scaring people and I wanted our staff to learn from the best in the business, so we approached the York Dungeon to run a special Scare School for us."

Helen Douglas from York Dungeon says: "Our staff are professional stage-school trained actors and Equity members who have made a career out of scaring people. Startling someone by jumping out at them only activates the fight or flight response. At the Dungeons we have learnt that to really scare someone you need to build suspense and fear of what might happen then let their imagination take over. Having the right atmosphere is crucial, and the vast empty passages of York Maze at night create a perfect environment of fear."

Visitors to the four Haunted Horror Maze nights can expect to be chased by a pack of werewolves, have an appointment with a chainsaw wielding surgeon, and stumble across a host of other terrifying creatures in the maze.

The Haunted Horror Maze nights take place between 8pm and 10.30pm tonight and on Friday, September 8 and Saturday, September 9. Admission is £5 per person and there is no need to book. It is not recommended for children under 12 and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Visitors are advised to bring a torch and wear suitable footwear and clothing for the weather conditions.