County Durham, known for its vibrant nightlife, has been home to several nightclubs no longer in existence.

They ranged from venues infamous for their sticky floors and inexpensive drinks, providing unforgettable experiences to party-goers late into the night.

Five of County Durham's best nightclubs of years gone by:

One such establishment was Mardi Gras (later known as Escapade and then The Hub) in Darlington, which closed in 2012, just six months after a significant refurbishment.

Mardi Gras used to be a hotspot for those wanting a boogie on Gladstone Street in Darlington, before becoming the Escapade club in October 2004.

Some fondly the club as being a "top night" under its guise as the Mardi Gras.

Darlington's Inside Out, located near the town centre, was another popular nightclub.

Active for 12 years, it closed in 2020 after citing a range of upcoming acts and DJs that had played at the venue.

Closing in 2020, before the Covid pandemic struck, the club said: "Unfortunately it has been decided to close Inside Out after 12 years.

"We are immensely proud of the long list of impressive and widely acclaimed Acts, Bands & DJ’s we have brought to Darlington.”

Another institution in Darlington was Plastered Parrot, part of the club scene for decades under various names.

First opened in the 1970s on Commercial Street it was known as Zhivagos, Oscar's, Emmy's, the Plastered Parrot, The Lounge and Cactus Jack's. Most recently it was called Audio until it closed more than a decade ago.

After a fire in 2020, the building was demolished the following year.

The Tall Trees in Yarm, which hosted Club Macmillan, was recognised for its star-studded guests throughout the 2000s.

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Home to Club Macmillans - also known affectionately as Club M - the venue attracted many big names throughout the noughties including Pete Tong, Girls Aloud, Chesney Hawkes, and many more.

Sadly, there's no chance of it making a return as the venue was left gutted by a fire shortly after its closure and has since been demolished and made into a housing development.

Meanwhile, the Top Hat nightclub in Spennymoor, which lasted for decades, closed in 2014 after hosting numerous renowned artists.

How many of the North East’s former nightlife hotspots do you remember?