Last Of The Summer Wine, the world's longest-running sitcom, has been recommissioned for a further six half-hours by Jay Hunt, Controller, BBC One, and Lucy Lumsden, former Controller, Comedy Commissioning.

Filming will take place this summer, in and around the Yorkshire town of Holmfirth, for transmission in 2010.

The series, which is a whimsical comedy about people in the autumn of their years, is written by Roy Clarke and stars Peter Sallis as Norman Clegg alongside several other eminent cast members including Russ Abbot (Hobbo), Frank Thornton (Truly), Brian Murphy (Alvin), June Whitfield (Nelly) and Burt Kwouk (Entwistle).

Mark Freeland, Head of Comedy at the BBC, said: "I am pleased that Roy Clarke's much loved and unique comedy is once more returning to BBC One."

Writer Roy Clarke said: "It's like going home again."

The series is written by Roy Clarke and produced and directed by Alan J W Bell.

Last Of The Summer Wine has clocked up more than 30 series. The series debuted on the BBC in 1973.

Long-running BBC comedy Last of the Summer Wine is to be axed after 37 years, the BBC has announced. The series - which has followed the exploits of Compo, Nora Batty and friends - made its TV debut in 1973.

Over the years it has featured a host of famous faces including Eric Sykes, Dame Thora Hird and Bill Owen as Compo. Jay Hunt, controller of BBC One, said the final series to be shown this summer will be a "fitting farewell" to the well-loved characters.

It will feature Peter Sallis as Norman Clegg alongside several other cast members including Russ Abbot as Hobbo and Brian Murphy, who plays Alvin.

Every single episode of the sitcom has been written by Roy Clarke and produced and directed by Alan J W Bell. There had been speculation for many years that the show would be retired but it was continually commissioned.

Cheryl Taylor, controller of comedy commissioning, said the decision to end the show was "very tough. It is a testimony to the wit and warmth of the characters that Roy Clarke originally created that this amazing series has endured over several decades," she said.

"The BBC feels enormously privileged to have played host to its many charms for such a long time and we very much respect the affection in which it is held. It is very tough to have to call time on such a cherished institution but we are very sincere in our gratitude for, and admiration of Last Of The Summer Wine. It is the undisputed champion of long-running comedy series."

BBC One will celebrate the end of the long-running series with special editions of Countryfile and Songs Of Praise. Both will come from Holmfirth, the village in Yorkshire where the series has been filmed since it began in 1973.

I agree with sue, heartbeat,last of the summer wine the royal,nice easy programmes the whole family can watch,maybe its cheaper to have the public entertain us.