Final credits roll on Last of The Summer Wine

Hear an audio interview with the series' creator Roy Clarke

The series, which first launched in 1973 and has starred actors such as Bill Owen, Peter Sallis and Frank Thornton, will run for just one more series.

The BBC said it was "very tough to have to call time" on the show.

There had been speculation for many years that the show would be retired, but it was continually recommissioned.

The show, based in Holmfirth, has been much mocked for the similar themes of its episodes which saw the main characters, all in their twilight years, involved in various high jinks.

But it proved to have longevity and survived the deaths of a number of its leading actors, such as Owen, who played Compo.

Each episode over the past 37 years has been written by Roy Clarke and produced and directed by Alan JW Bell.

The programme was first shown as a one-off episode of the BBC's Comedy Playhouse, but was such a success that a series was commissioned. It went on to run to more than 30 series and is the world's longest-running sitcom.

Other familiar faces in the show have included Eric Sykes, Dame Thora Hird and Brian Wilde.

The first series featured Sallis (who played Clegg), Owen and Michael Bates as Blamire - best known for his years in comedy show It Ain't Half Hot Mum. He was replaced in the core trio by Wilde, who starred for many years as Foggy.

Others who have played major roles in the show have included Bert Kwouk, Brian Murphy and Russ Abbott.

Jay Hunt, BBC1 controller, said today: "Last Of The Summer Wine has been part of BBC One for nearly 40 years. This wonderful final series is a fitting farewell to these much-loved characters and I am delighted some of the channel's other heritage brands will be helping to say goodbye in style."

Cheryl Taylor, controller for comedy commissioning, said: "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.

"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. We would like to thank Roy Clarke, Alan JW Bell and all the cast members for their wonderful achievement and for their dedication to the show."

To round off the next series, BBC1 will broadcast special editions of Countryfile and Songs Of Praise which will come from Holmfirth.