MORE than a week since the Prime Minister ordered Britain into a lockdown, the region's town centres and streets have fallen silent with only a handful of passers-by.
In Darlington, a town centre that was once bustling with buses, shoppers and visitors has been left very much deserted as people take the government's advice to stay at home.
Just a few shops remain open: Pharmacies, supermarkets, banks and corner shops with the vast majority of businesses shut to members of the public.
We've put together nine images from our photographer Sarah Caldecott that show how life in the town centre has changed since Britain went into lockdown.
High Row in Darlington, normally bustling with street traders and public events, has become desolate as the majority of shops remain shut 'until further notice.'
Under most recent guidance, only a few traders and businesses are permitted to stay open - they include supermarkets, corner shops, home and hardware stores, garages and takeaways.
Shopping centres like the Cornmill Centre have partially-closed to all retailers except those which "provide essential goods and services" - a similiar set up is place across the region.
A convenience store receives its routine delivery of stock as business continues as usual at the premises on Tubwell Row.
Although the town centre may have fallen eerily quiet, Darlington Borough Council street cleaners could be seen in action readying the town for an eventual return to normality.
Almost all stores have closed, but the ones that remain open have seen varying levels of customers in recent days. Supermarkets in the town centre have remained quieter than those in retail parks.
A favourite among all generations, Nando's in the DL1 Shopping Complex has closed in line with government advice for all restaurants to shut up shop for at least three weeks.
Opposite The Northern Echo's home on Priestgate, Darlington Crown Street remains closed to the public after local authorities across the region started closing public buildings.
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