Image caption Tom Welling has starred in the series for a decade

US television series Smallville is coming to an end after 10 years, broadcaster CW has confirmed.

The drama, which charts the early years of Superman's alter ego Clark Kent, is said to be the longest-running serial based on a comic book character.

Network chiefs have promised the final series will be nostalgic and feature the return of various characters who have appeared over the years.

Actor Tom Welling has played the lead role since the show first aired.

Tights

CW's president of entertainment, Dawn Ostroff, said: "The fans want to see the show go out in a big way and we will give it to them."

Since the fifth season, Smallville has veered towards more adult themes, and Clark Kent's burgeoning newspaper career at the Daily Planet.

Its focus has been on the Kansas town - which forms the title of the show - where he spent his formative years.

In an interview with MTV, Welling speculated on whether he would finally don the costume which Superman has become so famous for.

"We've seen glimpses of it with the cape and Martha [Kent] presenting it to Clark and saying 'this was in the ship when you got here'," he said.

"I'm sure we're going to see it, I just don't know in what capacity."

"I don't know if you're going to see me in tights, if that's what you're asking," added the actor.