A farmer believes his ''maize maze'' in the shape of a giant spider's web could be one of the biggest in the world.

Tom Pearcy says his 30-acre ''website'', on the outskirts of York, was inspired by a spider's handiwork he spotted on a dewy morning.

The puzzle, planted and cut by Mr Pearcy, 32, on his 450-acre farm at Heslington has a giant arachnid at the centre.

He said he decided to grow the huge puzzle following the downturn in traditional farming, and was inspired by giant crop circles.

The maze is made of 1.5 million separate maize plants, which will soon be 10ft tall, with five miles of paths cut through them. The intricate pattern is visible from the air and visitors can use huge platforms located around the maze to try to plot a route through the web.

''Last year was my first go at designing mazes and it was a huge success.

''This year it is bigger and more challenging. I was inspired by a web glistening in the morning sunshine one day and thought it would make a brilliant maze.''

Mr Pearcy added: ''I think the kids will love racing along the paths pretending they Are little flies being pursued by the hungry, giant spider.

''But he's a lovable, friendly chap, really.''

The maize was planted in April and the design mapped out with a series of flags and miles of string. The plants will reach their full height in about a week's time with the crop harvested at the end of September and fed to Jersey cows. The maze opens to the public on Saturday July 26.