June Spencer has confirmed that she has left The Archers after more than 70 years on the show.

The 103-year-old has played the part of Peggy Woolley on the Radio 4 soap since its first ever episode in 1951 and is the last remaining original member of the cast.

"In 1950 I helped to plant an acorn," she said in a statement announcing her departure. "It took root and in January 1951 it was planted out and called 'The Archers'.

"Over the years it has thrived and become a splendid great tree with many branches.

"But now this old branch, known as Peggy, has become weak and unsafe so I decided it was high time she 'boughed' out, so I have duly lopped her."

Jeremy Howe, editor of The Archers, said: "I think working with June Spencer has been one of the greatest privileges of my many decades in drama.

"Her Peggy is one of the great creations of broadcasting – utterly charming, utterly ruthless, sharp as a knife and witty in spades.

"To think that June has commanded the airwaves over an Archers career of over 70 years beggars belief. I have rarely worked with such an inventive, focused and technically brilliant actor, or such a lovely person.

"Myself and the Archers team and cast wish June a well-deserved and long retirement – and I know that if she doesn't think the show is up to the mark, June will be letting us know. Bravo the legend that is June Spencer."

Spencer's final episode aired on July 31.