AN ancient form of stress relief has appeared on the Hampshire landscape.

The earliest labyrinth in the British Isles is believed to date back to the sixth century but the most recent has just been planted in Mayfield Park, Southampton.

Since its medieval beginnings, walkers found that with the mind concentrating on the circular route they were able to shed their everyday worries and it is hoped the new creation may prove to have similar powers.

Gardener Mark Rendell, who is working to reintroduce labyrinths to the county, said: "It's an ancient device that can help with the stresses of modern living. It quietens the mind and allows people to escape into their own little world."

Mark and the Friends of Mayfield Park have dug trenches and filled them with compost to plant fescue grass which is darker than the common garden variety and will mark out the route which is around a third of a mile.

The labyrinth was planted and launched with a Spring into Action event at the park which had animals, a climbing tower and games to entertain the children.

More labyrinths are to be planted across the county for summer.