London residents say 'Big Ben' has been running slow

Looks like old age may be catching up with London's most famous clock, Big Ben, as residents have said the clock has recently been slow by as much as six seconds.

Big Ben is 156 years old and emits deep bongs to mark the hour but its recent lapse in time was noticed by staff at BBC radio, which broadcasts the bongs live at 6pm.

One of Parliament's three clocksmiths, Ian Westworth, told the BBC the clock had become "a little temperamental" with age.

Parliamentary officials said that mechanics had corrected the clock to within "normal parameters," within 2 seconds of the right time, and will continue to adjust it by placing or removing pennies on the pendulum to fine-tune its speed.

Big Ben is one of London's most recognisable landmarks and its bell is one of London's characteristic sounds.

In 2012, the tower was renamed the Elizabeth Tower to mark Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne.

So folks, if you're heading to London you may want to hold off setting your watch by Big Ben, at least for the next few days.