Sir Norman's swansong is released

Sir Norman's performance is characteristically visual

The last screen role of veteran performer Sir Norman Wisdom is being shown with the release of a short film.

The 92-year-old, who came out of retirement to play a vicar plagued by a fly in a cafe, suffers from vascular dementia and lives in a care home.

Expresso, which will raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, features Dame Judi Dench on a foreword for the DVD.

In a message released with the film, Sir Norman said he was "a lucky little devil" to make a return to a film set.

"I had a great day - every minute was worth an hour," added the comic actor, who urged everyone to watch the "wonderful" 10-minute film, which captures a number of customers at the coffee shop.

'In stitches'

He was given a visual role so he would not have to remember any lines, said the film's producer Martin Nigel Davey.

"But on the day he was alert and had everyone around him in stitches.

"We were filming with him for about five hours and kept changing his performance so it produced even more laughs.

"He may be 92 but he was still an absolute professional," added Mr Davey.

"Sadly his condition has gone a bit downhill since January and he needs more care now."

In July 2006, Sir Norman, who lives on the Isle of Man, underwent an operation to fit a pacemaker in Liverpool.

He announced his retirement from show business at the age of 90 in February 2005.