Pictures captured by The Northern Echo have shown how a County Durham town shut down as the country mourns the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Very few people could be seen out and about as pictures captured Stanley town centre looking eerily quiet.

Normally, buzzing with people on a Monday morning, the main street was left with shops completely shuttered.

Poundstretcher was among those venues closed, along with pharmacies, travel agents and takeaway shops.

Walking down the street in the crisp, morning air, the town was mostly deserted with the odd person passing through on their bike or walking their dog.

The Northern Echo: Picture: CONNOR LARMANPicture: CONNOR LARMAN (Image: Picture: CONNOR LARMAN)

The Northern Echo: Picture: CONNOR LARMANPicture: CONNOR LARMAN (Image: Picture: CONNOR LARMAN)

Shutters lined the streets as even charities and the post office can be seen to be shut.

Nearby car-parking spots were also bare with the odd vehicle dotted throughout.

Superstores surrounding the town, including Asda and Aldi, were also deserted with empty car parks and metal shutters barring entry.

The roads were also very quiet with just a few cars travelling around the County Durham town.

It comes as the country mourns the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, with the funeral procession taking place from 11am this morning (Monday, September 19).

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The Northern Echo: Picture: CONNOR LARMANPicture: CONNOR LARMAN (Image: Picture: CONNOR LARMAN)

The Northern Echo: Picture: CONNOR LARMANPicture: CONNOR LARMAN (Image: Picture: CONNOR LARMAN)

In Whitehall and Parliament Square, the funeral service moved some to tears.

As a crowd of thousands listened to the funeral, the proceedings from Westminster Abbey relayed by speakers above the street, some sang quietly along with the hymns.

As the funeral service began, the crowd around Parliament Square began to drift – some for a much-needed sit down, others to grab a quick sandwich or a bite to eat.

But slowly, many edged back towards Whitehall and to the best viewing points in Parliament Square to await the final procession of the Queen’s coffin through London and onwards to Windsor.

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When the time came for the two-minute silence, not a sound could be heard the length of Whitehall as many in the crowd bowed their head or closed their eyes.

Even as the two-minutes elapsed, many remained hushed and quiet. It was not until the time came, a few moments later, to sing the national anthem that the crowd roused itself, applause breaking out across the length of Whitehall when it came to a close.

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