Bond maze is 'licensed to thrill'

The amazing maize maze is leaving visitors "shaken" and "stirred"

An image created from thousands of maize plants is drawing crowds of people to a farm in Devon.

The subject of the amazing maize maze at Bickleigh, near Tiverton, is 007 James Bond with his Aston Martin car.

Designed to mark Bond's creator, author Ian Fleming who was born 100 years ago, the spy who is "licensed to thrill" is the screen original, Sean Connery.

The 10-acre maze is run by Janice Lee of Upincott Farm and the image has been designed by her daughter Katie, 23.

The maze is run as part of a diversification programme.

People are coming prepared with their wellies because it is so muddy Janice Lee

"We're a working farm and times have been difficult, so this has helped," Ms Lee told BBC News.

The first maze was created in a field owned by her sister, who also owned Bickleigh Mill.

"It was a case of helping each other, so the obvious logo to do was the mill, including the water wheel," she said.

"Not only was it a huge success for us, it helped put the mill on the map with tourists too."

Despite the poor summer weather, Fleming's suave spy is proving very popular.

"They want to see it, so people are coming prepared with their wellies because it is so muddy," Ms Lee said.

Previous designs have included the Queen's golden jubilee, National Farmers' Union tractor logo, Isambard Kingdom Brunel and last year Robert Baden-Powell's image was created to commemorate the Scout centenary.

The maze is open to the public until 7 September.