BRYMOR, the Wensleydale-based independent ice cream maker, has taken over the running of the Easingwold Maize Maze.

The 16-acre maze, on the A19 on the outskirts of the market town, will become an outlet for the ice cream brand, which aims to become the dominant brand in Yorkshire and the North-East.

Brymor’s ice cream parlour at their High Jervaulx Dairy near Leyburn, attracts more than 300,000 visitors a year and produces 24 different flavours.

Paul Hodgson, managing director, said: “We are excited about the opportunities that taking over the popular maze will give us. Both Brymor and the maze are award-winning and our aim is to build on this success by combining a great day out for the family with locally-made ice cream.”

Paul Caygill opened the maze as part of his farm diversification scheme 15 years ago. It opens on Monday, July 16, until Sunday, September 2, and apart from the maze features footgolf, go karts, a giant inflatable slide, sand pits and picnic area.

The popular pygmy goats and alpacas are returning this year with rabbits and guinea pigs in a small animal tent. Family tickets (four people) cost £25, adults £8 and children and concessions £7.