A past broadcast of a New Year's celebration was blared out by mistake at a Remembrance service.

Big Ben's twelve chimes of midnight were played instead of the eleven chimes expected at 11am by those who gathered at Margate's Trinity Square this morning.

It was followed by pre-recorded dialogue where one commentator wished another a Happy New Year.

One resident, who did not want to be named said people immediately felt sorry for the organisers but "It was all in good spirit."

The source said: "We were all lining up. The gun went off and then they play Big Ben's chimes. They had obviously recorded it. The recording then went into two DJs talking. One said: 'You're a bit ahead of us. Now let me be the first to tell you Happy New Year!'"

According to the onlooker, "Everyone looked around. When it was all over people were wishing me a Happy New Year!

"It was a school boy error."

Despite the blunder, the service was praised. particularly the impressive numbers making it "the busiest I have seen there for years."

This was boosted by the attendance of cadets, Salvation Army band representatives, a choir and Philip Gore, director of ceremonies.

Parliamentary candidates for North Thanet and South Thanet Sir Roger Gale and Craig Mackinlay were there. Neither mentioned the gaffe in tweets praising the ceremony.

See how Kent paid tribute to its war heroes

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