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This is beginning to sound like an ichneumon wasp to me, perhaps an Ophion species? These seem to fit the bill for "cranefly crossed with ant":), and several species are active at this time of the year in the UK.

See images at:
http://www.warren.../02480.htm

and some info at:
http://www.plantp...luteus.php

The species within this genus are very difficult to sort out.

Martin