VETERAN sitcom stars Peter Sallis and Frank Thornton have let doubles do their walking for years . . . but no more!

They will be stretching their own legs in future as Clegg and Truly, their TV characters, stroll around Summer Wine country - even up gentle slopes.

Their stand-ins have worn out some shoe leather over the years, but now Peter and Frank, both 84 shortly, have decided: "We'll do it ourselves. It'll keep us fit."

Producer-director Alan J W Bell says: "It's not a case of saving money.

"Peter and Frank, the oldest of the cast, are conscious they have become role models for pensioners.

"They want to encourage others to exercise - if they can - to stay healthy and live longer."

Doubles were brought in the past for other veteran actors who had walking difficulties - including the much-loved Bill Owen (Compo) who continued to work in his 80s when stricken with cancer.

Last of the Summer Wine has been a favourite for viewers over 32 years, since it was created by its writer Roy Clarke.

It often features some spectacular and funny stunts involving characters, but they are always done by stunt doubles, says Alan.

"Naturally we would never put any of the cast at risk," he says.

Average age of the 16-strong cast is now 70-plus - and Norman Wisdom, 90, stars in one of the 11 episodes of the new series screened in the New Year. It will be his farewell to showbiz, says Alan.

The 33rd year series will be filmed on location around Holmfirth in the Summer for screening in 2006 and is expected to continue. Alan says: "Even repeats are attracting up to five million viewers and our research shows that we have a strong fan base among the young."

The series is taking off in the USA where it now has a fan club with regular conventions. Its members say the zany antics of the elderly cast is "far superior" than American sitcoms. "Summer Wine brings back memories of life when it was more leisurely and more enjoyable," says their club website.