07/07/2010

Issued by: York Maze

A Yorkshire Farmer has created the World's largest Spitfire to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Farmer Tom Pearcy has cut the shape of a giant Spitfire in his maize field near York. Measuring over 300m (1000ft) in length the Spitfire is 30 times the size of the real thing and has been painstakingly carved out of over 1 million living maize plants. The design also features the words ‘Never Forget 1940-2010' in 40ft high letters and a giant Union Jack. The 10km of pathways form an intricate maze for visitors to explore. York Maze is the largest maize maze in Europe and one of the largest in the world. 

Tom Pearcy's previous maze designs have included an Astronaut, the Statue of Liberty and the Flying Scotsman.

Yorkshire's last surviving Battle of Britain veteran, Flight Lieutenant William (Terry) Clark, was guest of honour at a special ceremony to unveil the maze on 9 July almost 70 years to the day since the start of the Battle of Britain on 10 July 1940.

Flt Lt Clark (91) from Wheldrake, York, says "I am delighted to be able to be here today to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The maze is a wonderful idea as a tribute to the aircrews and it is fitting that it can be seen from the air."

Terry Clark took to the air once again this time in a helicopter for a flight over York Maze to see the giant Spitfire. Commenting on the flight Terry Clark said " I've flown in lots of different aeroplanes but at the age of 91 this is the first time I've ever been up in a helicopter so it's a new experience for me."

The Battle of Britain Spitfire Maze is Tom Pearcy's tribute to the brave aircrew who flew in the Battle of Britain.

Says Tom Pearcy, "I'm delighted to be able to make my contribution to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and to pay tribute to the brave airmen, ‘the few' like Terry Clark who in a unique battle for the skies helped keep this country safe. It is also a tribute to all the other service personnel who have served our country and continue to do so today."

Forces staff and their families are being offered discounted admission to York Maze this year.

  York Maze opens to the public on Saturday 17 July and will be open every day until Sunday 5 September. http://www.yorkmaze.co.uk/.

ENDS