An iconic alternative music venue is giving its loyal customers the chance to own their very own square of sticky carpet with a charity auction.

Over more than 30 years of business, the Pink Toothbrush nightclub, in Rayleigh High Street, has become a mainstay of the south Essex music scene, becoming as synonymous with playing its part in the early days of some of the world’s biggest acts as it has its no-fuss interior - namely its famously sticky carpet.

As part of refurbishment works, it was announced the carpet - which is rumoured to have been in place since the 1990s - had been lifted and replaced.

In an online farewell message last week, staff at The Pink Toothbrush said: “It is a very sad day for everyone at The Pink Toothbrush today. We have had a new carpet laid.

“It’s just not the same!

“We have tried to throw beer, sweat, and teen spirit on it, but it just won’t get sticky or smelly.

“We are just hoping and praying that Friday night will see it get danced all over and the sweat drip off the ceiling onto it and just maybe... it’ll be that smelly, sticky friend of a carpet you all love.”

However, the post quickly racked up hundreds of comments from punters sharing their memories of the sticky dancefloor and the club itself over the years, and pleading with the staff to let them keep a sentimental, if not slightly unhygienic, momento from the club.

The post received such a high volume of comments over the weekend that it was announced on Monday morning that the six senior staff at the club would each auction off a framed and certificated piece of the carpet, with proceeds going towards a charity of their choice.

The club has yet to announce when the auction will take place, or which charities the staff have chosen.

However it has asked its loyal fans to keep an eye on the Facebook page for further details.