Roald Dahl loving Fenland farmer etches 500ft BFG into field

The giant image of the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) in a maize maze in March.

Farmer Edward Gowler painstakingly created the 500ft character into a 12-acre field on his land in March, Cambs.

It marks 100 years since the author’s birth - and comes just ahead of the release of Steven Spielburg’s adaptation of the classic children’s novel.

Mr Gowler said: “I grew up with Roald Dahl books, and my kids love the stories now.

Alfie Cook dressed as the BFG with Lucy Gowler, 11 at a maize maze in March

“He has a fantastic ability to inspire and enthuse children to read.

“2016 marks 100 years since Roald Dahl’s birth and I wanted to pay my tribute to the centenary celebrations that are taking place across the UK this year.

“I decided to create a BFG image as it seemed fitting to put a giant in a giant maze, and it coincides with the release of The BFG movie this month.”

Number one story teller Roald Dahl wrote The BFG novel in 1982 and Steven Spielberg’s fantasy adventure film will be released on July 22.

Alfie Cook as the BFG with Lucy Gowler, 11 at a maize maze in March,

The much-loved story is about the dream-catching Big Friendly Giant and young orphan Sophie who befriends the 24ft tall gentle behemoth.

The maze is cut from a 12 acre field of maize plants and after Mr Gowler drew up the design, he sent it to a specialist firm who recreated it using GPS mapping.

Spray paint was then used to mark out the shape on the field and the farmer then spent hours on his tractor cutting the plants to keep the maze paths clear.

Visitors to the BFG inspired Skylark Maize Maze will be challenged to find a series of Roald Dahl related clues hidden in the maze to solve the puzzle.

Last year Mr Gowler cut a giant Minion into the field which was over 500 feet tall - believed to be the biggest Minion ever created.

The maze opens to visitors tomorrow (Sat) and will be open daily until September.

For more information visit www.skylarkmaizemaze.co.uk