Character's last words.

DEVOTEES of Radio 4's The Archers will this weekend hear the final scenes recorded by the late and long-serving actor Norman Painting who played one of the nation's best known farming characters.

The actor's last words, to be broadcast on Sunday, were recorded only two days before he died last month.

Painting, who was 85, played Phil Archer for nearly 60 years.

His final scenes are in the warm kitchen of Glebe Cottage, as his character and Jill (Patricia Greene) enjoy a traditional "Stir-Up Sunday" with some of their grandchildren.

They are heard planning for Christmas while Josh and Ben help to prepare puddings and cakes. It is understood the programme will not tackle his death until the New Year.

Archers' editor Vanessa Whitburn said: "It has been of great comfort to me and the rest of Norman's friends that he was able to carry on recording the programme he loved, right up until the end of his life.

"It seems fitting that Norman's final scenes should perfectly reflect the character he had brought Phil to become: a grandfather and a family man, with a mischievous sense of humour, and an active interest in the workings of his much-loved farm, Brookfield."

Painting's private funeral took place in Warwickshire last week for family and friends.

His final episode will be broadcast at 7pm on Sunday, and repeated at 2pm on Monday.