THE world's longest-running TV sitcom, Last Of The Summer Wine, has finally been re-commissioned after weeks of delay and doubt.

And the news kicks into touch any lingering suggestions of ageism within the BBC.

The programme, with its veteran cast, is now in its 32nd year.

It is cult viewing in the US along with Keeping Up Appearances, also written by Roy Clarke.

Even repeats continue to attract about five million viewers.

But the deciding factor to keep it running was a recent survey which surprisingly showed that children enjoy its gentle zany humour.

It's no secret that some top brass at the BBC have been trying for years to kill it off and replace it with a sitcom devised "to appeal to a younger audience".

Yet it continues to attract a bigger audience than new trendy sitcoms.

Last month was nominated for a National TV Award at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

A BBC source said: "Ageism is almost as bad as racism, especially now that almost half the population of the UK is near or over 50."

The future of Summer Wine, created and written from 1972 by former Yorkshire police constable and teacher Roy, had looked grim - until this week.

A new series, for location filming in Holmfirth from May 2005, had still not been commissioned - months after it was due.

There was also a strong rumour that writer Roy had decided to retire.

The 11 half-hour shows filmed this summer, due to be screened in the New Year, are in the can but the 16-strong cast (average age early 70s) were becoming anxious about their future.

Now they are celebrating.

Roy said: "It's great to know all of them are keen to return for a new series.

"Normally we don't check on their health. We just pray.

"They are all delighted and say they are as fit and as well as they can be - or hope to be.

"The oldest, Peter Sallis and Frank Thornton, are now into their 80s."