All at sea in a field of corn – people have been trying to puzzle out Admiral Lord Nelson at a farm near Portsmouth.

The Hampshire Mega Maze, which creates the image of Britain’s greatest Naval hero, is made entirely out of a crop of maize.

Anticipating the forthcoming celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar in 2005, it was officially opened on a seven-acre site at Forty Acres Farm, Bedhampton, by Portsmouth Naval Base Commander Commodore Amjad Hussain.

Set up by local farmer Steven Mason and designed by Adrian Fisher Mazes Ltd, it will remain open throughout the summer from 10 am to 6 pm before being harvested as cattle food in mid-September.

It took a team of workers three months to plant out over 400,000 maize seeds, using satellite technology to ensure that the pattern grew into the desired image.

Although the first maize maze in Hampshire, it is one of 20 planted throughout the UK as farmers capitalise on a novel way to generate extra income.

On the opening day crowds of local schoolchildren explored the 2.5 mile-long labyrinth.

Afterwards, Cdre Hussein said: “This maze brings to the region a fascinating forecast of the events to celebrate Trafalgar 200.

“It emphasises in an inventive and fun way the enduring bonds that exist between the Navy, the city of Portsmouth and the county.”