It Is the size of 15 football pitches and is the largest of its kind in the world, but now one of York's top tourist attractions is set to get a new home.

York Maze will have to move from its current home, next to the Grimston Bar Park&Ride site, in Hull Road, because of plans to expand the University of York.

But farmer Tom Pearcy, who created the maze five years ago to diversify his business after the foot and mouth crisis, has found a new location, at a farm on the B1228 road to Elvington and the Yorkshire Air Museum.

He said: "I am only a tenant farmer on the fields where I grow the maize.

"The land is owned by Halifax Estates, and is part of the area designated for the planned expansion of the University of York.

"I like where I am now, but the reality of the situation means that if the university get the go-ahead, I will have to move.

"This year is secure and the maze will definitely still be at its current location, but Halifax Estates are unable to give me any assurances beyond that."

Mr Pearcy wanted to keep the maze in York, and struggled to find a suitable location.

But he said today: "I can see the new farm from where I am now.

"It's just the other side of the A64.

"It has the farmland I need to replace what I would lose from the university

development, enabling me to carry on farming and running York Maze, which is now an integral part of my business.

"The new farm also has a good range of buildings, some of which I plan to

convert to provide essential visitor facilities.

"I have been unable to build anything on the current site, so just being able to provide proper loos for visitors will be a real bonus."

Mr Pearcy will submit plans for the move later this month and, if all goes to plan, this should be the last year for York Maze, which attracted 50,000 visitors last year, at its current site.

He said: "Timing is critical.

"I know I like to tell visitors to 'get lost', but I don't want them trawling round the outskirts of York trying to find us. I want to tell everyone coming to York Maze this year where we'll be next year."

Updated: 11:41 Friday, March 17, 2006