A PUB which has threatened to get rid of its popular Seventies-style flashing dance floor is now hoping to replace it with a 21st Century alternative.

The multi-coloured dance floor at the New Cross Keys, in Yarm, has long been a favourite place for late-night drinkers to strut their funky stuff.

But a planned refurbishment of the High Street venue means the retro floor covering is likely to be removed.

Manager Jason Moran said regulars were devastated. "The word has got around that we are getting a refurb, and the first thing everybody has said is 'don't get rid of the dance floor'."

The illuminated floor would not look out of place in Saturday Night Fever, but Mr Moran says it is a nightmare to maintain.

"We have a lad who spends three hours every Saturday and Sunday morning cleaning it," he said. "It is also very, very old now and bulbs are always going out. Because it's such a one-off, it's hard to find anyone who can deal with it."

Pub bosses are now considering an updated version of the old classic - a fibre-optic weave floor.

"It's a new system and we've not told anyone about it yet, but that's hopefully what we are going to try to do," said Mr Moran, 32. "It will be a flashing dance floor for the 21st Century - we'll be going quite state-of-the-art and very modern."

But regulars need not worry - the new dance floor is not expected to bring about a change of music at Club Keys, which stays open until 1am on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

"The age group is usually about 25 to 40 and we play very commercial stuff, a bit of everything really," said Mr Moran.

"The music is cheesy party dance-along tunes and that's how it will stay."