This year's maize maze at Tulley's Farm has a Wild West theme and parents can lose a whole posse of youngsters in its 3.5 miles of pathways.

A massive Native American chief's head and shoulders stretching 500ft in diameter has been cut out of the eight acre field.

Native American Chuquai Billy performed a traditional cleansing ceremony yesterday to drive out evil spirits and bless the launch of the new venture.

Chuquai, of the Sihasapa Lakota Sioux and Chocktaw Nation, is carrying on a family tradition as a stand-up comedian. His paternal grandfather was Wichasha Heyoka or contrary holy man who brought healing to people through laughter.

He played flute and said a prayer to bring good fortune to all who visit the maze site which could fit in four Wembley football pitches.

Tulley's owner Stuart Beare, a self-confessed Wild West fan, said: "The maize is rapidly growing at about a foot to 18ins a week and expected to reach to an average of seven or eight feet and a maximum of about 10ft."

Mr Beare said: "After heavy rain you can almost hear it growing."

He said visitors this year need to use their tracking skills to find the outlaws hidden in the maze and become a Maze Deputy.

Tulley's Maze Fun Park at Turners Hill near Crawley is open daily from 10am-6pm with last entry at 5pm until September 7 and attractions include trampolines, giant slide, quad bike barrel train, farm animals, scarecrow wagon ride and other activities.

The maze is open to visitors now until September 14.

More details in the Mid Sussex Times.