A NORTH-EAST nightclub has been sold as part of a £3m deal involving seven properties.

The Mardi Gras, in Gladstone Street, Darlington, has been sold by owners First Leisure Trading, along with Bar Rio, in the same street.

They have been bought by Springwood, which has also snapped up six other properties, including Pzazz, in Sunderland.

There are no immediate plans to change Mardi Gras. All staff at the club have been taken on by Springwood under the same contracts and same terms and conditions. It is believed the same will apply to the Sunderland club.

Bar Rio is expected to be sub-let at some time in the future. However, it is understood that jobs are not at risk.

Springwood operates nightclubs and venue bars. Its core brands are Zanzibar, large multi-scene complexes with an average capacity of 2,200, and Cobarna, a smaller beach bar style concept.

Commenting on the latest acquisitions, Springwood chairman Adam Page said: "As with all good deals, it is one that satisfies both parties - the venues no longer fitted into First Leisure's development strategy but were ideal for conversion to the Zanzibar and Cobarna formats.

"We are delighted to have concluded what became a protracted negotiation on favourable terms, which do not require us to make immediate payment.

"All of the acquired units are first-rate, large capacity venues, which are in extremely good order and exceptionally well fitted, although somewhat dated.

"We have previously had great success in converting similar venues to new trading formats.

"The acquired venues have traded profitably in the recent past and the incumbent management and staff are looking forward to a successful future with us at Springwood."

The company announced it had agreed to buy the eight properties from First Leisure for £3.3m. The others are at Blackpool, Manchester, Blackburn, Wigan and Rochdale.