A long-standing Maidenhead nightclub has announced it will be closing just months after a legal battle over the town's redevelopment.

Smokeys has been a key player in Maidenhead for nearly 60 years but has faced a turbulent year after plans for the Nicholson Shopping Centre redevelopment saw Smokeys at risk of being thrown out.

READ MORE: Smokeys nightclub Maidenhead legal dispute settled

On Monday, December 18, in a statement posted to the business's Facebook page, they said: "It is with a huge amount of emotion that we are announcing that Smokeys will be closing its doors for the final time after New Year's Eve.

"With the forthcoming development of the Nicholson Centre and all sorts of other elements that have contributed towards difficulties generally in the Nightclub industry, we have made the tough decision to say Goodbye."

The nightclub, run as a family business, thanked its millions of customers who have been visiting since 1967

"To all the relationships and marriages that started off there, and to babies born because Mum and Dad met at Smokey Joes – we salute you," they added.

Staff were also given a big thank you, from those working when Smokeys was known as Cafe Jak, Silver Skillet, Smokey Joes and up to the current day.

"We have had an absolute ball, and have been grateful to have been in the epicentre of the highest point of Maidenhead nightlife for almost 60 years - but we are not finished yet," they added.

"We continue to bring amazing entertainment to Windsor and Maidenhead with our Music Festivals and Events under the Fifest banner, and we look forward to meeting you once again there."

Smokeys will be open each Friday and Saturday on the lead-up to New Year's Eve - which will be the last time the nightclub will open its doors.