Can't delete text messages from iMessage - SOLVED

For anyone struggling to delete text messages from the iMessage app. I have a solution.

Firstly try the solution from previous threads on the same topic

1. Open messages
2. Click 'Edit' -> show recently deleted
3. Select the conversation and click delete (bottom left)
4. return to messages by clicking 'Done'
5. Swipe left on message and delete again.

For a lot of people this solved the issue but it didn't for me.

An additional step is to

1. Go into you 'Date & Time' settings
2. Deselect 'Set Automatically'
3. Set year a few years in advance
4. Go back and swipe left on message and delete
5. Return and set back to automatic