Time has run out to claim the winning EuroMillions ticket and the money is set to be used on National Lottery projects across the country.

The ticket was bought in Thanet for the draw on March 20, but after 180 days the deadline to claim the £1m prize has passed.

National Lottery spokesman Patrick Lisoire said: “Unfortunately I can confirm that the ticket holder did not come forward within the deadline to claim their prize and has now sadly missed out on this substantial amount of money.

"To avoid this unfortunate situation happening again I would urge all National Lottery players to check their tickets on a regular basis.

“We tried very hard to find the ticket holder and it’s a real shame that they have missed out, but there is still one winner – the nation.

"This money and all the interest earned over the 180 days will now go to benefit projects all over the UK funded by the National Lottery.”

Efforts to find the ticket holder started in June when a special ale called Just The Ticket was introduced to pubs in the district to promote the hunt.

With all National Lottery draws players have 180 days from the day of the draw to claim their prize if they have the winning ticket.

Anyone who believes they have a winning ticket within the deadline should call the National Lottery Line on 0845 910 0000.