A prankster posing as Thanet District Council on Instagram is causing a stir by poking fun at the authority and causing rows with unknowing followers.

The @thanetdistrictcouncil account, which uses the official logo, posts a mix of authentic Thanet council information alongside tongue-in-cheek posts, littered with spelling and grammatical errors, mocking the organisation.

Just this week, the joker shared a congratulatory message to "Ramsgate's Stark" for gaining a Michelin star, sparking a deluge of responses from people pointing out the restaurant is actually in Broadstairs.

But the fake TDC poster continues the argument, even "reporting" the owner of the award-winning restaurant for abuse when he responds with the correct location for Stark.

While some get the joke, others - believing it to be the official Thanet District Council account - warn it will "reflect badly" on the local authority.

The mischief-maker also posted a picture of beach huts on Minnis Bay with a caption proclaiming excitement over the hugely controversial plan for 1,600 homes in Birchington, attracting angry responses from residents who are fighting the proposals.

More light-hearted posts refer to leader of the council Bob Bayford's seven pet chinchillas and others invite people to drop in for a coffee with chief executive Madeline Homer by "asking for Madeline at reception".

A picture showing climate change protestors congregating outside the council on September 20 simply states: "Busy day at the #council today, a lot of people waiting to come in."

To fool its followers, the page uses posts from the official Thanet council Instagram account, making it look more authentic.

A spokesman for Thanet District Council confirmed it is a fake account.

"It is not a legitimate account and has no affiliation to Thanet District Council at all," she said.

"Users of Instagram can follow @OfficialThanetCouncil for news and information from the council."

​Read more: All the latest news from Thanet