As the nation shuts down, Bicester town centre has become deserted as people start to limit the number of times they venture out.

Photographer Bridget Catterall, from Bicester, took to the streets with her camera on Monday and managed to snap these photos of the town centre looking rather empty.

She said the handful of people that she did see were trying to adhere to the government’s social distancing guidelines.

She said: “The town feels eerie as we enter the second week of the lockdown imposed by the UK government as a means of combatting the spread of the coronavirus.

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“The few people that are out are strictly adhering to social distancing rules. There is a feeling of stoicism amongst those queuing to enter banks and shops, and an awkwardness as to how to navigate when passing one another in the street.

"One elderly gentleman said he’d ‘never seen anything like it’.

“Police are maintaining a presence, whilst people providing other essential services are also out and about.”

The government announced last Monday that only shops selling essential items such as food and medicine are allowed to remain open.

Sainsburys, Superdrug and Iceland are a few of the main shops in the town centre that are still in use, while some small independent businesses such as Nash's Bakery remain open.

The government also said people must practice social-distancing and so shoppers have been queuing at least two metres away from each other.

Ms Catterall also went out on Tuesday to take photos of the town centre and but said she saw more people which she believed was due to the sunny weather.

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She added: "The town feels silent and serious. Spoke with a taxi driver, who is looking to possibly volunteer as NHS transport. He is being stoical, but is concerned for his future.

"It’s heartening the simple acts of kindness that individuals are showing which is how everyone will ultimately get through."

Bicester Town Council has announced it will give cash grants to local support groups and charities that need a funding boost in helping people during the coronavirus pandemic.