Cheddar Gorge is normally bustling with tourists during the Easter holidays, who flock to the village for the scenery, attractions and independent shops.

Not this year. Due to the coronavirus lockdown, the streets stand empty and the shops are closed as the public obey the rules about travelling at this time.

These striking photos were taken by Craig Hooper during his daily exercise around the village.

One of the biggest attractions is, of course, the Longleat-owned Cheddar Caves and Gorge, which has had to be closed.

Ceawlin Thynn is the executive chairman of Longleat Enterprises and now the 8th Marquess of Bath following the death of his father Lord Bath, Alexander Thynn.

He said: "We are obviously very disappointed at having to make this decision to close.

"We had hoped to be able to continue to provide a limited offer to the public.

"However, it has become clear during the recent spell of good weather, and given the demand for people wanting to visit both Cheddar Caves and Gorge and Longleat, the risks involved with regard to safe social distancing are simply too great.

"Our number one priority must be the health and wellbeing of our staff and guests."

And with the Easter weekend coming up, the public are being reminded of the government's advice on social distancing and travel to stop coronavirus from spreading.

John Turner, chief executive of Visit Somerset, said: "This is a difficult message for someone in my position to be giving, but these are difficult times.

"I know it's disappointing and hugely tough on businesses, but there will be plenty of time to come and visit us and explore our great county.

"Now is not the time. We have to protect our NHS, our key workers and our county.

"People must listen to the advice from the Government and its medical experts and take every possible step to stop or slow the spread of this virus. Right now, that advice is not to travel and to stay at home unless it's absolutely necessary."

You should only leave the house for very limited purposes:

- shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible.

- one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household.

- any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person.

- travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home.

If you leave your home or gather in public for any reason other than those specified, the police may:

- instruct you to go home, leave an area or disperse.

- instruct you to take steps to stop your children breaking these rules if they have already done so.

- take you home – or arrest you – if you do not follow their instructions or where they deem it necessary.

- issue a fine (fixed penalty notice) of £60, which will be lowered to £30 if paid within 14 days.

- issue a fine (fixed penalty notice) of £120 for second time offenders, doubling on each further repeat offence.

Individuals who do not pay their fine could be taken to court, with magistrates able to impose unlimited fines.