Farmer gets lost in own corn maze

DURHAM, England, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- A British farmer who became lost in his own five-acre "maize maze" said he decided to cut his way out because he had to take his daughter to a party.

Paul Barkes said he was mowing the paths of the Chicken Run corn maze at his Thorpe Farm Country Park and Falconry Center when he became disoriented, The Daily Telegraph reported Monday.

"I knew roughly where I was but I'd agreed to take my daughter to a party and I was running out of time to find my way out," Barkes said. "I was in a bit of a panic that she would miss the event so I was forced to cut myself another exit."

"I'd already had feedback suggesting the maze was tricky to negotiate before I became lost myself," he said. "Next year, I think I will make it a bit easier."

Barkes maze is a popular tourist attraction in England's northeast County Durham. The corn that makes up the walls of the puzzle can reach up to 10 feet before it is harvested in the autumn.