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.

The Northern Echo: Just a handful of people were in Darlington Town Centre this week Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTJust a handful of people were in Darlington Town Centre this week Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

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.'

The Northern Echo: A once-popular thoroughfare for service buses and the public Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTA once-popular thoroughfare for service buses and the public Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

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.

The Northern Echo: The area would be normally packed with shoppers and scholars Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTThe area would be normally packed with shoppers and scholars Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

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.

The Northern Echo: The Tubwell Mini Market is permitted to remain open Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTThe Tubwell Mini Market is permitted to remain open Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

A convenience store receives its routine delivery of stock as business continues as usual at the premises on Tubwell Row.

The Northern Echo: Street cleaners could be seen in operation Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTStreet cleaners could be seen in operation Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

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.

The Northern Echo: The Market Place will not see any public events for the next few months Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTThe Market Place will not see any public events for the next few months Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

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.

The Northern Echo: Just a few 'essential stores' remain open Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTJust a few 'essential stores' remain open Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

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.

The Northern Echo: Many will be missing this popular restaurant at DL1 Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTMany will be missing this popular restaurant at DL1 Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

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.

The Northern Echo: Darlington Crown Street Library opposite The Northern Echo Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTDarlington Crown Street Library opposite The Northern Echo Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT